Wal-Mart removes BPA products from shelves for good

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is taking steps to eliminate the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPQA) from plastic products on its shelves due to safety concerns. Products containing the chemical are no longer available on store shelves. Previously, they were marked as such to give consumers the choice to purchase BPA-free products. Now, BPA products are gone for good.

The chemical, which is used to make plastic products shatter-proof, is used in baby bottles and water bottles, among other products. Although the FDA has not officially banned BPA from consumer products, several powerful consumer groups have disagreed

While some retailers speak of removing products that contain controversial chemicals or ingredients, it's refreshing to see the world's largest retailer leading the charge on this one. Also joining Wal-Mart in banning BPA products from shelves will be children's toy retailer Toys R Us.

Although this ban was officially announced by Wal-Mart in April, it's great to see the world's largest retailer act on it so quickly. If this is the kind of response to "consumer demand" that makes changes happen, it's impressive to see a compressed timeframe on a consumer safety issue like this one.