Current Labeling Battles 2007-2009

Monsanto tried to stop rbGH-free labeling on dairy products at the state level, since it could not get the FDA to prohibit those ”rbGH free” labels. Although Monsanto sold off its rbGH division to Elanco, the animal division of Ely Lilly, the battles in certain states continue.  The Institute for Responsible Technology works closely with a coalition of organizations including the Oregon Chapter of the Physicians for Social Responsibility to protect our right for accurate labeling of dairy products made without rbGH.

In May 2009, Kansas Governor Sebelius vetoed legislation that would have restricted any national US dairy from properly labeling their milk products as free from genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH or rbST). Read more...

In July, the battle moved back to Ohio where Governor Strickland issued an executive order to restrict rbGH-free labeling, after similar regulations drafted by the Ohio State Agriculture Department were withdrawn as a result of legal actions taken by the Organic Trade Association (OTS) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) – see their statements below. Take Action.

See the 3-part series, Get Our Milk Off Drugs, for additional background material. 

Contact Oregon PSR Safe Food Campaign:
Gretchen Miller, Project Coordinator
503-953-6804
Email

The Organic Trade Association (OTS) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) are suing Ohio over the rules put in place there. See their statements on the lawsuit which explains the issue in more detail:

         OTA press release    

         IDFA press release