UPDATE, May 19, 2008: As of Friday the 16th at 6PM, the 2008 Missouri Legislative Session ended, and no rBGH labeling bills passed! Not only did the bills fail to pass on their own, but citizen pressure kept them from being added to other bills as amendments.
Jefferson City, MO, May 13, 2008 - You may have already seen in the news that consumers' right to know what is in the milk they drink has come under attack in a number of states, in the form of attempts to ban dairies and farmers from labeling their products as free of recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rBGH/rBST.
The use of rBGH is concerning because it causes infections and other problems in cows. These infections lead to the use of more antibiotics, which could contribute to the major problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria. There are also many unresolved questions concerning the use of this artificial hormone and links to some types of cancers, particularly those of the breast, prostate, and lung.
Monsanto has seen sales of their artificial hormone, rBST, drop dramatically as more and more consumers turn to dairy free of rBGH/rBST. Therefore, it is no surprise that they are among the most active proponents of a ban and of keeping consumers in the dark about what they put into their bodies.
Take Action Now to Preserve Your Right to Know!
One of the most recent efforts to ban rBGH-free labeling has been taking place in your home state of Missouri. Fortunately, here in Missouri, both bills banning rBGH-free labeling have stalled in their respective committees. This is, in large part, due to the efforts of a coalition of organizations like Citizens for Health, Food and Water Watch, and many others. However, it could not have happened if not for the pressure legislators felt as Missouri residents like you exercised their right to be heard and flooded the House and Senate with emails and phone calls.
The state legislative session ends on May 16 so it is too late for Senate Bill 1279 and House Bill 2283 to pass on their own. However, there is concern that proponents of the labeling ban may try to tack the stalled bills onto other bills as amendments. (This is a common strategy for controversial bills).
This is an election year, with a majority of seats up for grabs, so it is unclear if it will even be attempted; nevertheless, even with only a week left in the session, it is critical to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure you retain your right to know. Therefore, residents must contact their elected representatives and tell them to vote "No" on any amendments that would take away the rights of consumers to know how their dairy is produced and for farmers and dairies to label their products as rBGH-free.
There's Less Than a Week Left to Make Your Voice Heard - Act Now!
