The Kansas State Senate is considering a bill, SB 595, that would make it illegal for dairies to label their milk as “artificial hormone-free.” There will be a hearing on SB 595 soon so now is the time to stop this bill!

Additionally, the broad language of SB 595 could affect other food labeling that provides you with key information on  foods beyond dairy, such as "cage free" and "free range" products.

Consumers want more information about the foods they buy and feed to their families – not less. These types of labels are not “misleading,” they fill an important gap in knowledge about how our food is produced. Consumers have a right to know about the origins of their food, and producers have a right to tell them.

Tell your Senators and Representative to protect consumers and vote no on SB 595!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to voice my opposition to Senate Bill 595, which would restrict dairy producers from labeling milk as produced without recombinant bovine growth hormone. Many consumers object to this hormone, known as rBGH or rBST. I have a right to know if this artificial hormone was used in the production of the dairy products I buy, and I believe dairy companies should be able to inform customers of this fact.

FDA approved the use of voluntary "absense" labels more than 12 years ago at the request of dairy companies seeking to respond to customer concerns over the use of the genetically engineered hormone. Last year Monsanto, the company that makes rBGH under the trade name Posilac, pressured the FDA to restrict the use of labels identifying "rBGH-free" or "rBST-free" dairy products, but FDA rightly refused to do so. Kansas should be no different. Consumers want more information about the foods we buy and feed to our families - not less. rBGH-free labels are not "misleading," they fill an important gap in knowledge about how our dairy products are produced. In fact, an April 2007 Lake Research Partners' national survey shows that eight in ten adults (80%) feel dairy products originating from cows that have not been treated with rBGH should be allowed to be labeled as such.

Additionally, the broad language of SB 595 could affect other food labeling that provides me with key information on foods beyond dairy, such as "cage free" and "free range" products.

I urge you to recognize the importance of food labels to consumers and producers, and not to restrict the use of this labeling. Denying consumers information about how their food was produced leaves consumers without the information they need to make informed choices.

Please vote no SB 595 and any companion bill in the House.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 15, 2008