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Summary of Article:

It looks as though Monsanto corporation is making attempts to prevent the labeling of milk sold to consumers which is produced without recombinant bovine growth hormones (rBGH). Monsanto produces and sells the synthetic hormone under the name Posilac, which is given to lactating cows to increase yields.

Monsanto contends that milk from cows treated with Posilac is safe and no different from milk from cows with naturally occurring hormones. They say labeling claims about hormones mislead consumers into thinking there is a difference in milk quality. Both Europe and Canada have banned the use of synthetic growth hormones, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave it the ok in 1993.

Many consumers appear to favor milk without Posilac, and this year Starbucks, Kraft, and Wal-Mart rolled out rBGH-free milk products. Eric Newman, a representative at Organic Valley, a cooperative that sells milk under the Organic Valley and Stonyfield Farm labels, believes Wal-Mart’s decision to sell rBGH-free milk will be the death knell to synthetic growth hormone.

Look for strong state-level debate over labeling to continue. Pennsylvania, the 5th largest dairy state banned labeling claims in October 2007, but rescinded the ban after considerable consumer backlash.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0421/p13s01-sten.html
‘Hormone-free’ milk spurs labeling debate | csmonitor.com