Several recently published studies claim that cow milk injected with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is safe, but the Cancer Prevention Coalition criticizes them. According to Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, eight consultants for rBST companies, including Elanco and Monsanto, authored the report. This consultant was paid for conducting ‘safety assessments,’ he said.
To increase milk production, about 20 percent of U.S. dairy cows receive rBST injections. Despite the industry’s claims that hormones are safe for cows, and that milk is safe for consumers, Dr Epstein, author of “What’s In Your Milk?” (Trafford Publishing) in 2006, says that this is “blatantly false.”
Dr. Epstein warns:
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There are about 20 toxic effects associated with rBST on the label of Posilac, a rBST product that makes cows produce more milk when given to them. Eli Lilly acquired Monsanto’s Posilac product in 2008.
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As a result of hormonal induced mastitis, as well as antibiotics used to treat the disease, rBST milk is contaminated by pus.
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The chemical and nutritional composition of rBST milk differs from that of natural milk.
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Those who consume rBST-injected milk or products made from it are exposed to traces of the hormone, which is absorbed through the gut into their bloodstreams.
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The gut absorbs IGF-1 readily from rBST milk, which is well-enriched with natural growth factors (IGFs).
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Several well-documented scientific publications indicate that excess levels of IGF-1 are responsible for breast, colon, and prostate cancers. IGF-1 also blocks natural mechanisms that protect against early submicroscopic cancers.
The National Family Farm Coalition, representing 30 organizations, and the Campaign Against rBST, representing ten, both endorsed warnings issued by the Cancer Prevention Coalition in 1990.
A 2007 Cancer Prevention Coalition petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Seeking Withdrawal of the New Animal Drug application for rBST,” was endorsed by the Organic Consumers Association, Farm Defenders, and the Institute for Responsible Technology.
However, the FDA continues to ignore these risks, despite longstanding concerns from Congress.
A 1986 Congressional report from the House Committee on Government Operations, “Human Food Safety and Regulation of Animal Drugs,” is a useful example. According to this report, the FDA has consistently ignored its responsibilities… The company has repeatedly put the interests of veterinarians and the livestock industry ahead of its legal responsibilities to protect consumers, thus jeopardizing their health and safety.
According to Epstein, infants and children are especially vulnerable to cancer-causing ingredients in consumer products because of their high susceptibility to cancer-causing substances.
The Hartman Group, a prominent Seattle consulting firm, says organic milk is now among the first organic products consumers purchase, avoiding these risks easily. According to Dr. Epstein, organic milk can be easily avoided. Moreover, organic milk is becoming more accessible, growing at a rate of about 20% per year, while overall milk consumption decreases by 10%.
“However”, says Epstein, “most schools and state governments do not provide organic milk as part of low-income food programs, particularly through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.”
A majority of certified organic milk is sold at Wal-Mart, followed by Horizon Organic, which is owned by Dean Foods, one of the nation’s largest dairy producers, and Groupe Danone, a leading French milk company. Despite the high price of organic milk still holding this market back, Wal-Mart’s competitive pricing is likely to resolve this problem.
While hormone milk and dairy products are allowed in the United States, all EU nations, as well as Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan have prohibited their use and import.
In addition to the governors of all 50 states, senior officials in all relevant government agencies, as well as members of Congress and staff of relevant committees, were sent this news release.
In order to protect the unsuspecting public from the dangers of rBST milk, it is expected that Dr. Hamburg will act swiftly as FDA Commissioner.
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