Following in the foot steps of Pennsylvania, the State of Ohio is considering making it illegal for dairies to label their milk as "artificial growth hormone-free," restricting rBGH-free labeling. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, March 12th and is accepting public comment on this rule now!

As you know, we had a major victory on milk labeling in Pennsylvania in January. This sets a great precedent, but now we need to turn this victory into a trend by turning up the heat in Ohio.  Governor Strickland has heard from thousands of consumers across the nation, but he has still issued rules that restrict dairies’ and farmers’ right to make factual rBGH-free statements on their labels. Moreover, they require them to include a disclaimer that there is no difference between rBGH and rBGH-free milk, which is not true.  Tell Governor Strickland to rescind these rules!

Even if you don't live in Ohio, this issue is important to your state, too! States all over the country are considering restricting or banning rBGH-free labeling, which would eliminate consumers’ right to know what’s in their dairy products. Missouri, Utah and Kansas are currently considering labeling restrictions or bans too!  The more victories we have, the harder it will be for other states to pass these harmful labeling laws.

Please also take a moment TODAY to call Governor Strickland and tell him you do not find these labels to be "misleading," and you do not want their use restricted or banned. Consumers have a right to know what's in their milk, and dairies and farmers have a right to tell them.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

To: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture Dairy Chief Jones, and the Dairy Division. CC: Governor Strickland's Office Fax: (614)466-9354 Governor's Office Riffe Center, 30th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6108

I am writing to ask you to rescind the rules the Department of Agriculture recently put in place to 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 and farmers should be able to inform customers of this fact.

The use of rBGH is concerning because it causes infections and other problems in cows. These infections lead to the use of more antibiotics, which could contribute to the major problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria. There are also many unresolved questions concerning the use of this artificial hormone and links to some types of cancers, particularly breast, prostate, and lung.

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. Ohio 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 conducted for Food and Water Watch 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 to rescind these rules. Denying consumers information about how milk was produced leaves consumers without the information they need to make informed choices.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 05, 2008