Are Growth Hormones in Your Milk Products?

For over 10 years, rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), also known as rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin), has been a staple in the dairy products consumed by Americans. Food safety organizations, concerned Americans and scientist have begged the FDA to reverse its approval on allowing dairy farmers to administer these hormones to their cattle. The FDA's decision stood despite regulatory bodies in both Canada and Europe rejecting the hormone due to numerous animal and human health concerns. Defeated at their quest, they pleaded with the FDA to at least require labeling of foods containing rBGH. Because the FDA refused labeling request, many consumers have no idea that a growth hormone intended to induce dairy cows to be more productive is in much of their milk, cheese, and yogurt. Did you know?

Since the FDA has ignored all the concerns over these growth hormones, concerned consumers have banned together and complained directly to dairy companies. To accommodate the numerous requests for hormone free dairy products, 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. At this time the FDA allows “voluntary labeling” for companies that wish to inform the consumer that their products do not contain growth hormones. I guess we can assume that if a dairy product isn’t labeled that it is free of growth hormones, then it is not. This is the only way the consumer has to make an informed decision.

It gets more complicated. Monsanto, which is a huge company that produces rBGH under the trade name, Posilac has noticed a dramatic loss in sales due to consumer awareness and is now trying to convince the FDA to eliminate “volunteer labeling”. This is merely a greedy move to protect their “bottom line” at the expense of our health and “right to know”.

If Monsanto gets its way, then the only way to know that you are consuming hormone free dairy is to buy organic. Organic dairy will also be free of antibiotics and the feed and water that is consumed by the animal is usually better quality.

You have to wonder if consuming these growth hormones on a daily basis are also contributing to the ever growing problem of obesity in children and adults…were getting fattened up right along with the cows!

If your favorite dairy products are not labeled hormone free, contact the company and let your opinions be heard. If enough people fuss enough, we might be able to eliminate these in-humane additives.

This Article written by Lucia Z. Manoukian NCTMB of www.funfitandfeisty.com is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice. Questions on this article and request for future topics may be sent to her at funfitandfeisty@hughes.net.

Create a Happy, Healthy & Wealthy Day,

Lucia

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