From the human health standpoint, IGF-1,a substance produced in our bodies by rBGH, may increase the risk of cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, lung and bone, according to Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. From the animal welfare point of view, rBGH is terribly inhumane, causing swollen, painful udders and frequent infections, which, of course, mean more antibiotic treatment (and residues in dairy products). - Plenty Magazine
Does that sound like something we want to serve children in public schools? I say no. Calcium is great, but why subject children to future risk of cancers unnecessarily. So many large dairies are already rBGH-free that it should not be logistically complicated to keep milk from cows treated with rBGH out of schools. Please, email or snail mail your Representative and your Senators asking them to add a provision to the upcoming Child Nutrition Reauthorization to get the rBGH out of our schools. |
