Kroger Milk Will Go rbST Free By Early 2008

Supermarket giant Kroger, with locations in the Southeast and Midwest, is in the process of pulling milk produced with the artificial growth hormone rbST (also known as rbGH) from its store shelves by February 2008. The genetically engineered hormone is injected into cows for the purpose of boosting milk production. Although the FDA approved it for use in 1993, the hormone has not been without controversy. The genetically engineered growth hormone is known to cause harm to cows and may pose health risks to humans. Consumers have not been convinced of its safety and their demand for restaurants and retailers to provide organic milk only is on the rise. Earlier in the year, Publix supermarkets replaced its store-brand dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream) using milk from untreated cows only. Other noted food service industry players such as Safeway, Chipotle and Starbucks, are taking an active part in reducing milk products produced with hormones too. A step in the right direction, the growing attractiveness of the natural and organic foods movement is spurring on consumer awareness and demand for food free of antibiotics and hormones.

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