TWO Fox TV reporters in Tampa, Florida, have reported that Monsanto's gene-tically engineered milk hormone, rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hor-mone), may promote cancer in humans. The milk is sold to dairy farmers, who inject it into their cows every two weeks to increase milk production.
Monsanto and other organisations have documented that rBGH-treated
cows undergo several changes: their lives are shortened, they are likely to develop infections and produce milk containing increased levels of another hormone called IGF-l. IGF-1 is associated with increased likelihood of human cancers.
Interestingly, the Food and Drug Administration (PDA) had approved rBGH for use in cows in 1993. However, rBGH was never properly tested by FDA. A standard cancer test of a new human drug requires two years of testing with several hundred rats. But rBGH was tested on 30 rats for only 90 days.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.