from Rick North. rbGH list, Food and Water Watch

Everyone – I asked my list to contact Dannon and here’s the response they’re getting. The yogurt strategy is working just as we hoped! – Rick

February 17, 2009

Dear____________,

Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding Dannon’s use milk from cows treated with hormones.

The Dannon Company has been working towards its goal of using only milk (and all dairy ingredients) from cows not treated with rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin), a synthetic hormone that has been approved and declared safe for use by the FDA. We are well on our way to accomplishing this goal. In fact, today nearly 80% percent of the milk currently used in the Company’s products already comes from cows that are not treated with rBST.

Dannon intends that during the third quarter of 2009 its two largest plants will no longer use milk (or any dairy ingredients) from cows treated with rBST. The Company’s third plant will follow shortly thereafter.

Although no safety issue is involved, Dannon has been taking steps to use only milk from cows not treated with rBST in response to growing consumer preference for so-called ‘rBST-free’ dairy products. Dannon always listens carefully to the preferences expressed by consumers, and the evolution of the dairy market continues to move toward milk from cows not treated with rBST.

Based on consumer preference, Dannon is also encouraging its suppliers to switch to milk sources that are ‘rBST-free,’ to support the move by the entirety of the dairy market and not just yogurt.

Dannon’s products will continue to meet FDA requirements for safety as well as continue to be great-tasting and a nutritious part of a healthy diet.

Once again, thank you for contacting Dannon on this important matter. Please be assured that we have shared your concerns with the appropriate individuals at Dannon. I know they will be interested in your comments, as we sincerely appreciate when consumers take the time to communicate their concerns to us.

Sincerely,

Lisa Moore

Consumer Response Representative