How to Go rBGH-Free

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has estimated that over 40 percent of large dairy operations in the United States inject their cows with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), a synthetic hormone that induces cows to produce more milk. The use of rBGH remains controversial and was not approved in Canada, Japan or the European Union because of negative effects on animal health. There are also concerns that the use of rBGH may be linked to cancer in humans.

For years many U.S. consumers have objected to the use of rBGH. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve seen good progress and now it’s easier than ever to make the switch to rBGH-free milk. In 2009, Yoplait, Dannon and Cabot Cheese became the latest in a long line of brands to stop sourcing milk produced with rBGH. In addition to these specific brands, many grocery store chains have eliminated rBGH from their store-label milk supply, including Wal-Mart, Safeway, Publix and Kroger.