All About Milk. Product Safety

rbST (“growth hormone”)

Extensive studies have confirmed that milk from animals treated with rbST is the same wholesome product that we have enjoyed for generations. For more information, please visit rbSTFacts.org. Northwest Dairy Association and Farmers Cooperative Creamery — the dairy farmer cooperative organizations that together control about 99% of the milk that is produced and consumed in Washington — have effectively banned the use of rbST, suggesting that little if any of it is used in the state.

Mad Cow Disease

The World Health Organization, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FDA and other major health organizations have affirmed and reaffirmed that milk and milk products do not contain or transmit mad cow disease. For more information, please visit BSE Info; USDA — Food Safety and Inspection Service, word search “BSE.”

Antibiotic Residues

All milk is strictly tested for antibiotic residues. Any milk that tests positive is disposed of immediately and does not get into the food supply. For more information, please visit National Dairy Council — Nutrition & Product Information.

Dairy and Weight Management

A growing body of scientific research continues to strengthen the connection between dairy consumption and healthy weight management. For more information, please visit Innovate with Dairy; National Dairy Council — Healthy Weight with Dairy.

Dairy and Exercise Recovery

A growing body of scientific research continues to strengthen the connection between dairy consumption and post-exercise recovery. For more information, please visit Body By Milk.

Organic Milk

Strict government standards ensure that both regular and organic milk are wholesome, safe and nutritious. For more information, please visit ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance does not mean people have to give up milk and milk products – in fact, there are very simple steps people can take to enjoy dairy foods. For more information, please visit National Dairy Council — Lactose Intolerance.

Early Puberty

Scientific evidence does not support the notion that hormones in milk affect human growth and development.

For more information, please see J. Lee et al, “Weight status in young girls and the onset of puberty,” Pediatrics 2007, 119: 624-630.