Got Milk?

By now, you have probably heard that the majority of the milk supply in the United States contains traces of a genetically modified bovine hormone called recombinant bovine growth hormone, or “rBGH,” which is injected into lactating cows in order to increase their milk production. In the late 1980’s Monsanto Corporation took a naturally produced animal hormone “Somatotropin” and genetically replicated it using recombinant DNA biotechnology, marketing it as “POSILAC,” a breakthrough technology proven to boost young cattle growth and milk production by 10-15%. What Monsanto did not advertise was their lack of long term research associated with the consumption of rBGH in humans, as well as the effects on injected cattle. Monsanto’s privately financed studies revealed deformities in calf offspring, as well as severe bacterial infections and swelling of the udders which caused blood and pus to be secreted directly into the milk. In order to combat the infections cattle is treated with antibiotics, however because of increased resistance by the bacteria the antibiotics given become limited and obsolete. Although no profound testing was completed, POSILAC was approved in 1994 by the FDA as safe for human consumption and without adverse side effects in treated cows. In 1989, confidential documents of Monsanto were leaked and revealed frightening facts regarding rBGH: