Several large dairy producers and food companies have made news recently by getting rid of recombinant bovine growth hormone, also known as rBGH or rBST, from their milk supply. This is great news for consumers, since this genetically engineered growth hormone is known to cause harm to cows and may pose health risks to humans. But in Missouri, things appear to be going backwards. SB 1279 is in the Missouri Senate and would restrict dairy labeling telling you whether your dairy was produced without the artificial hormone rBGH / rBST.

Senate Bill 1279, which would make it illegal for dairies to label their milk as "artificial growth hormone free," is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, April 15th. Senators need to hear from you!

FDA approved the use of voluntary 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. Earlier this 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, claiming such labels are "misleading" to consumers. FDA rightly refused Monsanto’s request to restrict consumers’ right to know, but now the Missouri legislature seems to following Monsanto’s lead.

Tell your Senators to vote NO on SB 1279!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to voice my opposition to SB 1279, 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 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. Earlier this 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. Missouri should be no different. Consumers want more information about the foods we buy and feed to our families - not less. 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.

I urge you to recognize the importance of food labels to consumers and producers, and not to restrict the use of rBGH-free labeling. Denying consumers information about how milk was produced leaves consumers without the information they need to make informed choices. Please vote No on SB 1279.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 03, 2008