Missouri Milk Labels

related articles

Missouri is the latest state addressing the issue of milk labels. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) said in a press release that preventing farmers from putting truthful labels on their milk would discourage them from converting to organic production.

OTA Executive Director Caren Wilcox stated, "In its current form, the proposed law would deny consumers their right to receive, and processors' right to provide, information about the non-use of synthetic growth hormones."

Missouri's proposed law (Missouri House Bill No. 2283), which seeks to prohibit milk producers and processors from using labels that state the milk was produced from cows not treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or rBST, appears to exempt certified organic dairy farmers.

Wilcox said, "There nevertheless, could be an impact on future organic production," because these farmers would be deprived of their right to tell consumers that they are not using synthetic growth hormones while they pursue organic certification.

Pennsylvania ultimately decided that organic farmers who choose to label their milk do not have to include disclaimers stating that the FDA has found no difference between treated and untreated milk. Ohio has determined organic farmers do have to use disclaimers if they label their milk.

COMMENTS ()