Health Canada says letters to retailers dismissing concerns over the safety of polycarbonate bottles containing the chemical bisphenol A were "sent in error" and did not include the most recent scientific information.

The letters, sent Jan. 15, said use of bisphenol A in plastic baby-feeding products and other plastic products "does not present a risk to Canadian children" and initial results suggested the chemical was not harmful.

In a release issued Wednesday, Health Canada said the letters were sent in error and it is still completing its assessment of bisphenol A, which is set for completion in May.

"Until then, Health Canada is not advising retailers or the public to stop selling and/or using polycarbonate bottles," the release said. "The government will incorporate all the latest science in its assessment and will use this information to take action, if necessary, to further protect the health of Canadians."

The controversial chemical is used to make many hard plastic toys, bottles and food containers. Recent studies link the chemical to obesity, infertility and insulin-resistance in rodents.

The Health Canada evaluation of bisphenol A was launched last year as part of a study about 200 chemicals the federal government has singled out for more careful research.