Myth: Milk from cows pumped with the rbST hormone shouldn’t be consumed because of the adverse health effects it has on the cow and, potentially, humans.

Fact: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other leading health organizations, have concluded that there is no significant difference between the milk from cows that are treated with rbST and milk from cows that are not treated with rbST.

In 1993, the FDA approved the safety of using rbST in dairy cows based on a review of existing scientific studies.
Over the last 20 years rbST has been heavily researched, and separate reviews by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the joint World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization Committee (WHO/FAO), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), as well as regulatory agencies in Canada and the European Union, have corroborated FDA’s conclusion.
All milk naturally contains very small amounts of hormones, and studies show that the hormone levels of milk from cows that are treated with rbST are within the normal range.
Some dairy farmers choose to use rbST to boost their herd’s milk production, which contributes to a plentiful milk supply.
Milk companies have responded to consumer requests for choices in the dairy aisle, and many now offer milk from cows not supplemented with rbST. In general, this decision is a result of market demand and is not related to any health or safety issue. All milk is wholesome, safe and nutritious.
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