U.S. Consumers Being Deceived by Milk Mislabelling

September 3, 2009 Filed Under: Allergies, Vegetarian

Milk consumers in the United States should note that most regular pasteurized milk comes from cows that have been given synthetic growth hormones, known confusingly under three different names: rBST, rBGH, and Posilac. They all refer to exactly the same thing: synthetic growth hormones that are injected into cows to make them produce more milk than they normally would.

Some studies show that synthetic growth hormones in milk can increase the risk of cancer in human milk consumers. This is why synthetic growth hormones for cows are banned in most countries (although not in the United States where the synthetic growth hormones are manufactured).

When you buy regular pasteurized milk in the USA the label says nothing about the milk containing synthetic growth hormones, yet over 95% of all pasteurized milk sold in regular supermarkets and stores contain synthetic growth hormones.

This is causing concern for many American consumers, and as a result some companies such as Wal-Mart and the coffee-chain Starbucks are switching to milk free of synthetic growth hormones.

What about deceptive labelling?

When milk companies provide milk that is free of synthetic growth hormones they are labelling their milk as being “hormone free”. This is a big con because no milk is “hormone free”. All milk without exception contains bovine growth hormones known as IGF-1. These hormones are known to produce cancer in humans as evidenced by numerous studies over the years.

Organic milk producers are the biggest culprits. A big selling point for organic milk in the USA is that it does not contain synthetic growth hormones, and organic milk labels typically state: “hormone, antibiotics and pesticide-free.” This, of course, is totally deceptive because, as stated, no milk is hormone free.

Therefore, milk labelled “hormone free” is thoroughly misleading because it is implying the milk has no hormones, and nothing could be further from the truth. Instead of labelling the milk “hormone free” it should be labelled “rBGH free” or “rBST free” or even “free of synthetic growth hormones”.

In summary, all dairy milk without exception contains bovine growth hormones. Additionally, most American milk also contains synthetic growth hormones. It is totally deceptive to label any kind of milk as being “hormone free”.

There is, however, one big exception: plant-based milks contain no harmful hormones. Non-dairy milk made from seeds, nuts, soybeans or rice is totally free of harmful hormones. Such milk is super-nutritious and truly delicious. See below for a totally free ebook on how to make wonderful nut & seed milk.

About the Author:

Making non-dairy delicious nut and seed milk is quick and easy. Go to nut and seed milk to get a free ebook that shows you how. For other unique information about milk go to www.about-milk.info.