PRESS RELEASE
February 21, 2007
CONTACT: Samuel Epstein, M.D. 312-996-2297
Ronnie Cummins 218-226-4164
LEADING ADVOCATES AGAINST GENETICALLY MODIFIED rBGH MILK FILE CITIZEN¹S PETITION WITH FDA
Petition Seeks Withdrawal of Approval for Posilac - Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Tuesday morning February 20, three major advocacy organizations representing consumers, family farmers, and cancer prevention advocates filed a citizen¹s petition to the FDA, seeking the Withdrawal of Approval for Posilac - Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH).
The petition is based on scientific evidence of increased risks of cancer, particularly breast, colon, and prostate, from the consumption of milk from cows injected with Posilac®, the genetically modified recombinant bovine growth hormone (also known as rBGH, or rbST), with increased levels of IGF-1. Posilac@ is the trademark for Monsanto's rBGH product, registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is approved for marketing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This petition is also based on other abnormalities in the composition of rBGH milk, resulting from the recognized veterinary toxicity of rBGH.
The petition requests the immediate suspension of approval of Posilac® based on imminent hazard; and citing a section of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to request the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration to label milk and other dairy products produced with the use of Posilac® with a cancer risk warning.
The petition was submitted on behalf of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., Chair; the Organic Consumers Association, Ronnie Cummins, Executive Director; and Family Farm Defenders, John Kinsman, President.
Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., Chair of the Cancer Prevention Coalition Professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, is an internationally recognized authority on the causes and prevention of cancer, including carcinogenic ingredients and contaminants in food and other consumer products. He is the author of the new book "What's in Your Milk? An expose of Industry and Government Cover-Up on the Dangers of the Genetically Engineered (rBGH) Milk You're Drinking." Epstein's trailblazing scientific publications, editorials, national and international conferences, and legislative interventions, since 1989, have played a major role in influencing 27 nations, including Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan to ban rBGH milk. Dr. Epstein is available for interviews regarding this petition, and to speak to health risks associated with rBGH milk.
To view the petition in its entirety, visit
http://www.preventcancer.com/publications/pdf/Petition_Posilac_feb157.pdf
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Cancer Prevention Coalition, OCA, & Family Farm Defenders File Petition to Drive Bovine Growth Hormone off the Market
