Milk's Safety

Chicago Tribune, Letters to the Editor (news blog)
June 13, 2006
Susan Ruland
Excerpt

We are disappointed that the column didn't clarify that there is no conclusive scientific data to suggest that dairy intake plays any role in multiple birth rates.

The study's conclusions are speculative at best.

In particular the researcher's claims regarding insulin-like growth factor in milk are baseless.

Extensive studies over the past 20 years have confirmed that IGF-1 levels in milk fom cows supplemented with bovine recombinant growth hormone (rBST) are well within the normal range.

In fact there are absolutely no health concerns associated with rBST—leading national and international health organizations, including the American Medical Association, the National Institutes of Health, the American Dietic Association and regulatory agencies in 50 countries have affirmed that milk produced from rBST-supplemented cows is safe.

The bottom line is that adults, children and expecting mothers alike can feel good about consuming the recommended three daily servings of dairy foods—with foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt—as part of a nutritious and balanced diet.

Susan Ruland
Vice president
Communications
International Dairy Foods Association
Washington

Comments

I applaud Ms Ruland for setting the record straight. As someone whooo has grown up drinking rBST milk, I can say it sure has a smoooth taste. Clearly it is time we addressed the anti rBST mooovement—even if it does only rear its head once in a blue moooon.

Moo,
John