| Over the last year or two, several states have (more or less unsuccessfully) attempted to ban rbGH-free labels on milk. That is, if you DON'T use rbGH, you CAN'T say so on the label. This is INSANE obviously, because consumers show a strong preference for rbGH-free milk. It attempts to take away the marketing advantage from those who are producing milk the way consumers prefer.
Most of these fights have died down, but there is one that is absolutely RAGING right now. It's in the Kansas legislature. If HB 2295 passes:
labels that claimed milk was "hormone free" or "rbST free" or "rbGH free" or "BST free" would be prohibited outright. Labels that claimed the milk came from cows "not supplemented with rbST," or something similar, also would be banned unless the processor or bottler had an affidavit from the farmer and other "written documents that support the claim."
Labels also would have to carry these precise words in the same font and color: "The FDA has determined that no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST-supplemented and non-rbST supplemented cows."
The Kansas House held a hearing last week. The next step is a vote within the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, which will only take place if it's likely to pass. We're hoping this will die in committee but we aren't counting on that yet. You can also see editorials on the matter here and here. |
