Kansas is currently considering a proposed dairy labeling regulation that makes labels such as "contains no artificial growth hormones" or "rbST-free" illegal unless specific disclaimer language ("FDA has determined that there is no significant difference between milk derived from rbST-supplemented and non-rbST-supplemented cows") is added to the label in a specific location and in the same font, size and color of the main label claim. This disclaimer language has never been required by the FDA, and should not be required in Kansas.

Last year Monsanto pushed a bill to end this informative labeling. It was defeated, but now the rule is back! This time with a Department of Agriculture regulation that may go into effect unless it is stopped now. Public comments on this rule are being accepted through Tuesday, December 2nd.

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.

You have a right to know how your food is produced, and dairies have a right to tell you. Tell the Governor to stop this proposed regulation!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Leslie Garner, Kansas Department of Agriculture CC: Governor Kathleen Sebelius

I am writing to voice my opposition to proposed labeling regulation KAR 4-7-723, 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.

Proposed dairy labeling regulation KAR 4-7-723 makes labels such as "contains no artificial growth hormones" or "rbST-free" illegal unless specific disclaimer language ("FDA has determined that there is no significant difference between milk derived from rbST-supplemented and non-rbST-supplemented cows") is added to the label in a specific location and in the same font, size and color of the main label claim. This disclaimer language has never been required by the FDA, and should not be required in Kansas.

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 (now owned by Eli Lilly / Elanco), 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, many people prefer dairy products produced without the use of artificial growth hormones. According to a June 2007 Consumers Union survey, 76% of consumers are concerned about the use of synthetic growth hormones to increase milk production and 88% support giving buyers choice through product labels. I urge you to recognize the importance of food labels to consumers and producers, and not to restrict the use of this labeling.

Please rescind your proposed regulation on milk labeling, K.A.R. 4-7-723 , which will make it more difficult for Kansans to know what is in the products they buy. I want to know more about the food I eat, not less, and I want the information right there on the label. Consumers have a right to know, and dairies have a right to tell us.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 26, 2008