The National Council of Churches says it's disappointed in U.S. drug officials' conclusion that there is insufficient evidence that bisphenol-a (BPA), a chemical found in many aluminum cans and some infant formula containers.

The Food and Drug Administration said this week level of BPA from food that could be passed from pregnant mothers to the fetus is so low that it could not be measured, and that exposure to BP in human infants is at least 84 percent less than previously estimated.

The NCC USA pointed says the chemical is linked to health concerns in numerous studies that identify such problems as early puberty in girls, prostate and breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, heart disease, infertility and neurological issues.

"The faith community is clear on the need to care for the health of our neighbors and to prevent suffering," said Chloe Schwabe, Enivronmental Health Program Manager for the NCC's EcoJustice programs in a statement.

"With a scientific body of evidence that continues to produce studies showing harm, we believe the F.D.A. made the wrong decision to allow BPA, a chemical linked to prevalent health conditions, to remain in aluminum cans and infant formula."

The FDA said it has "carefully assessed these studies and finds no convicing evidence to support thatbelief."

"FDA is continuing its research and monitoring of studies to address uncertainties raised about BPA," the agency said.