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Farm Kitchen:  Monsanto Fighting Milk Labels  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 07:34:40 AM
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'Frankenfoods' Giant Monsanto Plays Bully Over Consumer Labeling
By Scott Thill, AlterNet
Posted on March 6, 2008, Printed on September 13, 2008
http://www.alternet.org/story/78660/
"There are some corporations that clearly are operating at a level that are disastrous for the general public … And in fact I suppose one could argue that in many respects a corporation of that sort is the prototypical psychopath, at the corporate level instead of the individual level."
--Dr. Robert Hare, The Corporation
Since 1901, Monsanto has brought us Agent Orange, PCBs, Terminator seeds and recombined milk, among other infamous products. But it's currently obsessed with the milk, or, more importantly, the milk labels, particularly those that read "rBST-free" or "rBGH-free." It's not the "BST" or "BGH" that bothers them so much; after all, bovine somatrophin, also known as bovine growth hormone, isn't exactly what the company is known for. Which is to say, it's naturally occurring. No, the problem is the "r" denoting "recombined." There's nothing natural about it. In fact, the science is increasingly pointing to the possibility that recombined milk is -- surprise! -- not as good for you as the real thing.
"Consumption of dairy products from cows treated with rbGH raise a number of health issues," explained Michael Hansen, a senior scientist for Consumers Union. "That includes increased antibiotic resistance, due to use of antibiotics to treat mastitis and other health problems, as well as increased levels of IGF-1, which has been linked to a range of cancers."
For its part, Monsanto is leaning on the crutch of terminology to derail the mounting threat to its bottom line: The consumer-driven revolution against recombined food. And so the St. Louis-based agri-chem giant has launched a war of words in the form of a full-court press to suppress the "rBGH-free" label at the state level. And it's sticking to its guns by obfuscating and indulging in cheap semantics.
"RBST is a supplement that helps the cow produce more milk," Monsanto spokesperson Lori Hoag explained to me via email. "It is injected into the cow, not into the milk. There is no way to test because the milk is absolutely the same. Neither the public nor a scientist can tell the difference in the milk because there is not a difference. Consumers absolutely have a right to know if there is a difference in foods they are buying. In this case, there simply is not a difference."
"Monsanto has an unfortunate habit of mixing some things together that confuse the issue," counters Rick North, director of Campaign for Safe Food from Physicians for Social Responsibility's Oregon chapter. "It's true that all cows have natural bovine growth hormone. But only cows injected with recombinant, genetically engineered bovine growth hormone have rBGH. And this isn't a 'supplement.' This is a drug that revs up cow metabolism so high that they're typically burned out after two lactation cycles and slaughtered. Non-rBGH cows typically live four, seven, ten or more years."
The threat of rBGH to cows and humans alike encouraged Canada, Australia and parts of the European Union to ban Monsanto's recombined milk outright. As for the corporation's native United States, it has predictably signed off on another unproven growth opportunity with possibly lethal environmental side effects. They're in it for the money. And so the battle lines on the threat have been drawn, as North takes pains to point out, between "the FDA and those who follow them," and those who don't. "These proposed state bans or restrictions on rBGH-free type of labeling have nothing to do with protecting consumers," he asserts. "They have everything to do with protecting Monsanto's profits."
But that battle over labels and profits hasn't stopped Monsanto from creating its own press at home in the United States, where it infamously got two Fox News journos fired in 1997 for refusing to bend the truth about rBGH on the air. Yet, over the long term, the multinational's attention to press relations hasn't paid off so well. Medical authorities like Samuel Epstein and Robert Hare, quoted above, have targeted them from both the physical and psychological health perspective. Meanwhile, farmers and consumers across the world have demanded labels that differentiate the recombined milk from its naturally occurring counterparts on the store shelves. And they don't think it's too much to ask, given the facts.
Hoag is "accurate" when she argued "that there is no commercial test for this drug," North concedes. "But that's entirely different than saying there is no difference. Monsanto and its front groups have tried to equate the lack of a verifying lab test with the label being false or misleading. This is a non sequitur. There are all kinds of legitimate labels that aren't verified by lab tests, such as state or country of origin labeling, fair trade labeling, bottled water that is labeled as originating from a spring, and so on."
Monsanto, meanwhile, is bedeviling the details to distort the big picture. "Sure, the label can make a claim one way or the other," Hoag admitted, "but there is no way to verify that the claim is true. This is precisely why the labels are misleading. They make consumers believe there is a difference, when in fact there is none."
That sounds simple enough, but consumers don't seem to need or want Monsanto's mothering. In 2007, its efforts at an outright ban on rBGH-free labels in Pennsylvania were almost cleared for takeoff, until the state invited its citizens to publicly comment, which eventually doomed the move. That scenario has replayed itself across the United States in accelerated fashion with success.
"The issue looks pretty dead in Indiana and Ohio, and there are solid victories in Pennsylvania and New Jersey," explains Recipe for America's Jill Richardson, author of the forthcoming book Vegetables of Mass Destruction. "Utah and Kansas are probably going to revise their bills after their hearings, because of opposition."
This opposition comes in spite of Monsanto's funding of so-called grass-roots farming coalitions like the American Farmers for Advancement and Conservation of Technology -- also known as, cleverly enough, AFACT. Monsanto's public relations firm Osborn & Barr built a site for AFACT pro bono, knitting the two organizations together in a way that may not sit well in states currently pondering their own label bans. AFACT's attacks have virally replicated across the nation, as farmers on Monsanto's payroll have taken to harassing their state legislatures in concert with the multinational's usual tactics at the federal level, such as forcing skeptical scientists off advisory panels, intimidating critics and so on.
But the assault has only met equally powerful resistance, as environmental awareness has driven the market into a recombinant-free zone. In the end, this might be Monsanto's last gasp in the fight.
"Monsanto has seen the writing on the wall in terms of consumer rejection of artificial growth hormones," claims National Family Farm Coalition policy analyst Irene Lin. "Consumers are becoming more aware and educated about what goes into their bodies and what their kids are drinking. And this is Monsanto's last-ditch, desperate attempt to maintain its profit. And they are hiding behind dairy farmers to do it."
But for every farmer who toes Monsanto's line, there are as many if not more, and not just in the United States, who are amassing in opposition to the multinational's attempt to change, and then patent, how America grows (and describes) its food. And behind them, in ever larger numbers, are consumers and stores themselves, who are demanding more, not less, information from those who produce the food.
"In the last year or so, some really big names have announced that they will only buy rBGH-free milk," explains Food and Water Watch's assistant director Patty Lovera, "including Chipotle, Starbucks, Tillamook and lots of supermarket house brands, like Kroger, Meiers and Publix. Even Kraft is going to do an rBGH-free line of cheese."
In the end, Monsanto's quibbling over labels has added up -- ironically enough, given all the text it has generated -- to censorship, pure and simple. And, as with past debacles like the aforementioned Agent Orange, PCBs and Terminator seed, they've established a pattern of stopping at nothing to increase not your health but their profits. At your expense.
"Absolutely nothing good could come from a ban on rBGH-free labeling," concludes Hansen. "More information is a good thing, and all these state actions are anti-consumer, restrict free speech and interfere with the smooth functioning of free markets."
Learn more about the ban on rBGH-free labeling and take action.
Scott Thill runs the online mag Morphizm.com. His writing has appeared on Salon, XLR8R, All Music Guide, Wired, The Huffington Post and others.
© 2008 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.
View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/78660/
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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KansasConnie
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Connie
Atchison County
Kansas
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 2:22:44 PM
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Thanks for this info. rBGH labeling was a hot topic in the Kansas legislature last session.
Luckily, it appears that the dairy industry may recognize the need to exclude rBGH from consumers' diets. I talked to my DH's uncle who operates a milk route. He said the bottling company where he takes his milk (Roberts in KC) no longer accepts milk from a cow given rBGH. (This milk has to be taken to other plants in MO and NE that make feed.) Consumers should contact their local bottling company to see if they accept milk containing rBGH.
Kansas Connie |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 2:48:05 PM
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That is great news, Connie! I love the fact that some bottling companies are turning away milk! What a great way to get the message across to the dairy owners to stop using that product!
I make sure to check the labels before I buy. If stores have to continually throw away rBGH milk, then they will stop ordering it. If the stores stop stocking that milk, the bottling companies will start or continue to turn away rBGH milk. If no bottling company wants rBGH milk, than the dairies will be forced to stop using it.
What a great way to see how our dollar can really vote in this case! Our dollar and our knowledge of our foods!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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KansasConnie
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Connie
Atchison County
Kansas
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 2:20:47 PM
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Exactly! We must make each one of our dollars count!
Luckily, I'm able to buy locally bottled milk (in glass jars!) which is so good on so many levels (for my family and the Earth!)!
Kansas Connie |
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scurran
Farmgirl in Training
22 Posts
Sara
St. Louis
Missouri
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2008 : 8:49:28 PM
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I've been buying the Kraft rBHG-free cheese as a step towards buying organic cheese. Organic cheese is so expensive here and my local grocery store doesn't always carry it. They carry milk and yogurt but that's about it.
I was just so happy to see this on the label from a company like Kraft. Maybe everyone else can follow suit!
Sara
**Be the change you want to see in the world** |
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Homespun Livin
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Brenda
Louisiana
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2008 : 07:12:29 AM
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(This milk has to be taken to other plants in MO and NE that make feed.)
Connie,
Did your dh's uncle know what kind of animal eats this feed that is laced with rBGH milk? I am concerned that it will feed something that eventually makes it's way onto our plate. Shoot, I don't even want my pets to eat feed containing this.
"Love one another." |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2008 : 07:15:59 AM
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www.realmilk.org
While I know that raw milk isnt "legal" in all states, we in Washington can now enjoy it and do. If you cannot get it in your local stores, try www.organicpastures.com and wybengafarms.com I know both dairies and they ship. Kim Wybenga is a friend and we have been to both dairies and thier practices are amazing.....
How weird is it that "milk" can be illegal?
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2008 : 09:16:40 AM
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There's a guy here in Ontario that sells raw milk through 'cowshares'(I think MaryJane mentioned something like that in her book..) but since it's illegal to sell raw milk they've filed a lawsuit and everything. Just heard some more info on the news lately-
http://news.sympatico.msn.ca Just search for 'Raw Milk Case'.
Just a snippet of the article, it's as if raw milk is on par with narcotics, geesh.
quote:
During a break outside court, Schmidt said his goal was to show that York Region's lawyers have "no hard evidence" against him.
"The more important issue here is they had all the means to collect hard evidence, and they haven't done it."
Schmidt faces a fine or possible jail time if convicted.
Earlier Thursday, a private investigator hired to watch Schmidt took the stand to answer questions about his findings.
Footage of several people, appearing to carry coolers to and from a blue school bus, was shown in court and identified as video surveillance taken by the man.
"There were several times where I saw what appeared to be bottles or jugs of white liquid," Chris Dennison said, adding he also watched with high-powered binoculars.
"But I can't tell you with absolute certainty what that white liquid is."
York Region lawyers admit they've never tested the milk they allege to be raw.
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - sweetproserpina on Sep 16 2008 09:31:57 AM |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2008 : 08:38:02 AM
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I have only one thing to say about Monsanto-- it's run by the DEVIL himself!!! what a horrible place!! The more I read about this monstrosity of a company the more I have to wonder "WHY isn't anything being done about them?" They are single handedly trying to destroy the natural food sources of mankind. Not just here in the US, but all over the WORLD! And it's all under the guise that they are "impoving" on nature. Yeah, right and I can grow extra arms and legs ANY TIME I WANT TO! (which, if people keep eating THEIR garbage-- we probably CAN!)
You know, they (Monsanto) are also trying to shut down the private seed banks (which stock seeds from all over the world as part of a preservation program), making it ILLEGAL for the seed banks to sell seeds to the general public. If the bill passes, most, if not ALL of the seed banks will be shut down and we will no longer be able to buy organic, heirloom and open pollentated seeds. I don't know about you gals, but I've been stocking up on those seeds for several years now, even before I knew about all this scary stuff going on. I have quite a stash. I DARE them to come and tell me I can't grow my own food!!! We live on 20+ acres and I've got TONS of canning jars! They'd have to dig up the whole propety to FIND them! (LOL) Thanks for posting this Alee. It just confirms my belief that if we don't take care of ourselves, someone else WILL-- and NOT in a good way!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 5:21:58 PM
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I have recently contacted a couple of local dairies/milk producers in my area asking them if they use rBGH milk. Still waiting on a response.
How can we stop MONSANTO from taking over the world. Let's get something going and let them know we are not going to stand by and let them control our food supply!!
Lora
If it ain't red, leave it in the shed. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22937 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22937 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 5:54:54 PM
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Lora- Check out the hot topic here on the forum called "Endangered Food?" We have formed a farmgirl chapter to help fight back! Chiefly by buying heirloom plants and seeds and raising heirloom animals!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:01:26 PM
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Will do. Thanks, Alee,
Lora
If it ain't red, leave it in the shed. |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:15:47 PM
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Its going to take a lot of farm girl power to get the word out. I encourage ANYONE and EVERYONE that cares what is put into the mouths of their families to check out our chapter as we are trying to educate ourselves and those in our communities to take action against gmo's and the such. As I said in another thread, its this "fire" inside of us that will drive us to win or make a huge a** dent in their schemes! No demand, no product!
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:21:34 PM
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I can't seem to locate the Endangered Food. Can you help point me in the right direction?
If it ain't red, leave it in the shed. |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:34:23 PM
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Girls, there is a new henhouse in the process of being set up that you might be interested in. MJ's Heirloom Mavens is an outgrowth of the "Danger of Extinction" thread in the Magazine: Call for Entries / Keeping in Touch forum. Rene Groom (prosserfarmgirl) posted the following:
"FOOD~ Most of us know that we have animals that every year are placed on the Danger of Extinction lists, but did you know that there are list of foods that are in danger of Extinction as well? If you wonder why there is a new energy around heirloom seeds and foods it is because we are losing so many great foods to Genetically modified foods...MaryJane offers so many great learning opportunities about this in the sisterhood with her book lists and more, so if you are looking for a reason to join the sisterhood this is just one GREAT one..And now with winter approaching you will find a little more time to read as you prepare for next years gardening... you can also check out www.slowfoodusa.org But I cannot help but wonder how different that list might look if each of us farmgirls found something on that list and committed to planting it, saving the seeds and passing them on... ha.. and earning a badge or two in the process.......really? endagered food? I don't think I want that on my watch!"
This started quite a flurry of interest and has grown to 25 pages in just over a week! I think you'd be interested in what you find there and I know you would all be a wonderful addition to the group. Some of you already are! Even though only farmgirls in the Sisterhood can post to the henhouse, everyone is welcome to read the entries and comment on the Mavens blog, www.heirloommavens.blogspot.com
I am so encouraged and excited (that's such an understatement) by the interest I'm seeing in preserving our heritage. I believe we're at a crucial point in history. If we don't act now to turn things around, it may be too late for future generations. My nephew is 4 years old. I want him to know I did everything I could to keep the world safe for him.
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:49:53 PM
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Found it!!
If it ain't red, leave it in the shed. |
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Farm Kitchen: Monsanto Fighting Milk Labels |
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Monsanto Fighting Milk Labels
