Starbucks uses milk from cows that are injected with a genetically engineered, artificial hormone called recombinant bovine growth hormone, also known as rBGH or rBST.
The problem is, this hormone is known to cause harm to cows and may pose harm to humans. Use of rBGH can contribute to the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria. rBGH increases the rate of udder infections in cows, which are then treated with antibiotics. Use of rBGH could also pose a cancer risk to people. Injections of rBGH increase another hormone, called IGF-1, in the cow and the cow's milk. Too much IGF-1 in humans is linked with increase rates of colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
This hormone is banned in Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and all 25 countries of the European Union. And until we can get it banned in the U.S., we need to urge major food producers to use safer milk. Starbucks has already increased its use of hormone-free milk to 37% based on activist letters and calls. Let's keep up the pressure - sign the petition today to urge Starbucks to use milk that is free of artificial hormones!
2007-05-19
08:02:05
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7 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Politics