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Does your Milk have Artificial Hormones?

Several large dairy producers and food companies have made news recently by getting rid of recombinant bovine growth hormone, also known as rBGH or rBST, from their milk supply. This is great news for consumers, since this artificial growth hormone is known to cause harm to cows and may pose harm to humans. (Click here to find out more about links between rBGH use, antibiotic resistant bacteria and certain types of cancer.)

Monsanto, the company that makes the artificial growth hormone, is seeing much of its market slip away. In an attempt to preserve their profits, the company has asked the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the use of labels identifying “rBGH-free” or “rBST-free” dairy products.

If Monsanto succeeds in convincing FDA to restrict rBGH-free labeling, consumers will lose valuable information about how their food is produced. Write to the FDA and tell them that consumers have a right to know!

November 21, 2009

Subject:

Dear Commissioner von Eschenbach,
 
I am writing to voice my opposition to a recent request by Monsanto that the Food and Drug Administration restrict dairy producers from labeling milk as produced without recombinant bovine growth hormone.  Many consumers object to this hormone, known as rBGH or rBST. I have a right to know if this artificial hormone was used in the production of the dairy products I buy, and I believe dairy companies should be able to inform customers of this fact.
 
The use of rBGH is concerning because it causes infections and other problems in cows. These infections lead to the use of more antibiotics, which could contribute to the major problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria. There are also many unresolved questions concerning the use of this artificial hormone and links to some types of cancers, particularly breast, prostate, and lung.
 
I urge you to recognize the importance of food labels to consumers and producers, and not to restrict the use of rBGH-free labeling. Denying consumers information about how milk was produced leaves consumers without the information they need to make informed choices.
 
Sincerely,

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