
rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) is a genetically engineered variant of the natural growth hormone produced by cows. Formerly manufactured by Monsanto, it is sold to dairy farmers under the trade name Posilac. Injection of this hormone forces cows to boost milk production by about 10%, while increasing the incidences of mastitis, lameness, and reproductive complications.
The federal nutrition programs are a major provider of milk to our nation's school-age children. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, nearly 430 million gallons of milk were distributed through the National School Breakfast, Lunch, and Special Milk programs during the 2005-2006 school year. Unfortunately, a significant amount of this milk may have been produced with artificial growth hormones.
After 5 years of declining sales and several legal setbacks, Monsanto has finally decided to dump rBGH! Thanks to consumer pressure, major retailers, dairies, and cafes, from Kroger to Starbucks, have commited to sourcing milk from rBGH-free cows.
Several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the European Union have banned rbGH because of its impacts on human and animal health.
OCA's Millions Against Monsanto campaign has generated over a quarter million emails and petition signatures on the topic of rBGH, helping make rBGH one of the most controversial food products in the world.
Eli Lilly is purchasing posilac from Monsanto's and will inherit the product's problems.
rBGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) is a genetically engineered variant
of the natural growth hormone produced by cows. Manufactured by Monsanto,
it is sold to
dairy farmers under the trade name Posilac. Injection of this hormone
forces cows to
boost milk production by about 10%, while increasing the incidences of mastitis, lameness, and reproductive complications.
Monsanto has been lobbying state legislatures and departments of agriculture around the country to harass dairies that won't use Posilac. Monsanto wants to take away dairies' right to tell consumers they're rBGH-free.
Please go to the following OCA state action centers to learn more and take action:
Missouri - Kansas - Ohio - Pennsylvania - Utah
Read Genetic
Roulette Excerpt:
Summary of the Health Dangers of rBGH
An Exposé of Industry and Government Cover-Up on the dangers of the Genetically Engineered (rBGH) Milk You’re Drinking
From
the book:
Monsanto, supported by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), insists that rBGH milk is indistinguishable from natural
milk, and that it is safe for consumers. This is blatantly false.