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Ohio Update on rBST

Department of Agriculture Allows rBST Labeling

Fifteen years after the FDA's rushed approval of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST) controversy over its use in dairy production continues to boil. The most recent battle was fought in Ohio where corporate special interests pushed the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to ban labeling claims meant to inform consumers about rBST use. Fortunately, the voices of concerned citizens won out against corporate pressure. In a February 7th ruling, the ODA agreed to allow producers to inform consumers about their production methods.

A product of Monsanto-the multinational agricultural biotechnology company known for its aggressive lobbying practices and disregard for animals and the environment -rBST has long been a concern for consumer protection, human health and public safety advocates. But those who suffer the worst consequences from rBST are the animals. And, while dairy production in any form is exploitative, rBST is responsible for even more profound suffering-making cows far more susceptible to painful udder infections, lameness, miscarriages, and early death, and dramatically increasing the rate of severe health issues in their offspring.

The industry lobbied hard in Ohio to ban the use of labels-such as "produced without synthetic hormones"-on dairy products, covering up the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon cows and once again denying the American public its 'right to know.' Thanks to public activism, the industry has suffered a defeat, at least for now. The ODA ruling is expected to be made permanent after a 90 day review. However, Monsanto and its allies in factory farming will certainly continue their campaign to silence debate in other states. It is up to us to stop corporate dairy from bending the government to their will, and hiding the animal cruelty that comes hand in hand with rBST.

Learn more about the truth behind dairy production by clicking here, and see the results of Farm Sanctuary's recent investigation into this industry by clicking here.