WASHINGTON - September 17 - "Even though Monsanto has left the rBGH business, its state-by-state labeling battles are still going strong, threatening consumers' right to know whether artificial hormones were used to produce milk. Most recently, the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced it will be moving forward with a milk-labeling rule similar to the one adopted by Ohio earlier this year - a rule that goes far beyond the Food and Drug Administration's guidance by requiring the use of a misleading disclaimer and banning accurate claims such as 'rBGH-free' and 'artificial growth hormone-free.'
"But before going any further, Governor Sebelius should pay heed to the backlash from consumers and dairy producers that ensued when Ohio adopted their restrictive labeling rule. The Organic Trade Association and the International Dairy Foods Association filed lawsuits against Ohio, claiming the labeling rule violates rights to free speech and impedes interstate commerce.
"Instead of pursuing this harmful labeling rule, Governor Sebelius should learn from Ohio, listen to consumers and producers, and leave 'rBGH-free' labels alone. Consumers have a right to know what's in their milk, and dairies have a right to tell them."
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Kansas Moves Forward with Milk-Labeling Rule, Denies Consumers Important Information About Artificial Hormones in Milk
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By Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch
Food and Water Watch, September 17, 2008
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