This is what I have found or understand to be true so far.
- HDPE 2 is the most common food grade material used.
- Just because something is labeled with the recycle HDPE 2 symbol does not automatically mean it is BPA free.
- Containers are not molded with BPA free on them. They will generally be listed on the labeling of the product.
- Recycle 7 symbol denotes, any other material not covered by symbols 1-6. Symbol 7 is usually a polycarbonate especially when in comes to bottles or similar and the manufacture of polycarbonate is usually a chemical process that includes Bisphenol A, which has become one of the big controversies with containers (think controverises over the Nalgene bottles etc..).
- This seems to jive with Menhune or Hawaiian Waters putting out the above listed PDF's in defense of BPA products as it looks like their bottles are made out of the Recycle 7 and would be a polycarbonate bottle that might contain BPA.
- I have found that Walmart bottles appear to be made by Plasticos Industriales de Monterrey, of Mexico. So they are produced in Mexico and imported via PIMPLASTICS INC in Laredo, TX. Upon further searching, it appears that they are a reputable manufacturer of plastics, such as water bottles like these at Walmart, HDPE products, plastic milk containers, etc, etc...
- Walmart bottles are Recycle 3 which is a PVC and labeled as BPA free on the product label.
Anyone can take anything they want out of this information, but I don't think there should be a concern about the Walmart bottles. HOWEVER, if I were concerned about BPA, I would really second guess ANY food or beverage container made out of the Recycle 7 symbol, which would seem to include Menehune, or Hawaiian Water products. I do however suggest that if anyone has concerns to do their own research and not take anything said here as being true.