China's Ministry of Health, as well as five other governmental bodies, issued a joint public health notice on Monday which included a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the production of infant feeding bottles.

China will prohibit the manufacture of feeding bottles containing BPA from June 1 this year, the notice said. Imports and sales of bottles containing BPA will be banned starting from Sept. 1, according to the notice.

The notice also asks local food security inspectors to be vigilant against any possible violations of the ban.

BPA, an organic compound that is used to make polycarbonate plastic and other materials, may lead to premature sexual development in children, according to researchers.

The chemical is widely used in the production of infant feeding bottles, tableware and beverage containers.