FTC rules on rBGH

[Guest guest]

Feds reject Monsanto's bid to silence dairies over rBST ads

FTC tells agro-chemical giant that formal investigation and enforcementaction 'not warranted'by Sustainable Food News August 28, 2007

The Federal Trade Commission has rejected Monsanto Corp.'s petition to change existing procedures and take action to limit dairiesability to label products "rBGH-free." In April, Monsanto asked the FTC and the Food and Drug Administration to investigate what it alleges are false and misleading advertising claims made by many dairies such as there are health and safety risks associated with milk from cows treated with the artificial growth hormone recombinant bovinesomatotropin, or rBST."We have determined that formal investigation and enforcement action is not warranted at this time," read an Aug. 21 letter from the FTC to Monsanto.To read the letter from the FTC to Monsanto, click here. The FDA told Monsanto in June it did not have the resources to changeexisting procedures. Read FDA Response.The FDA approved the use of the synthetic hormone in 1994. Some consumersfear the synthetic hormones cause cancer or premature development in children. Some countries have banned the use of such hormones, but primarily because of its affect on cows. Many dairies now say their milk comes from cows not treated with rBST, and have seen their sales rise. In its original letter to the FDA Monsanto states: "For years now, deceptive milk labeling practices have misled consumers about the quality, safety, or value of milk and milk products from cows supplemented with recombinant bovine somatotropin."

This message originated from or was forwarded by:Chrys OstranderChrysalis Farm @ TolstoyOrganic Micro-permaculture33495 Mill Canyon Rd.Davenport, WA 99122

chrys@...

http://www.thefutureisorganic.net