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WFC member testifies in Topeka concerning milk labeling I am a consumer, and citizen of the great state of Kansas. When I go to the grocery store to purchase milk, I believe it is my right to know how that milk is produced. I appreciate the efforts of dairies that are truthfully labeling their milk product as being from a dairy herd that abstains from using artificial hormones. One small family dairy in the Topeka area bottles their own milk, and is more than happy to print on the glass bottle the many benefits of their product. Including the fact that they never use "injectable hormones (BGH)" and their milk is "completely free of antibiotics". When I make a purchase decision, these labeled facts of "absence" are what I require. There have been many baseless, derogatory, negative charges about these "absence" labels that have only caused discontent to the dairy industry. I, as a consumer, very much approve of these labels. Many dairies are already freely, and truthfully using these labels. When I am offered a choice of milk labeled 'hormone-free' and milk that has no label, there is an additional dilemma. Which unlabeled milk is from cows that do use artificial hormones? How is a consumer (parent, teen, child,,,,,,) to know? When I desire to acquire milk products from dairy herds that do use this unique process / product (Posilac), I believe there should be a label of 'presence' stating the milk product is from such a herd. How do I know which is which? Having no label at all is misleading. From my research, it is my understanding that the injectable hormones (Posilac) help increase the cows appetite, thus creating more consumption of feed (costs) and thus produces more milk (supply). Maybe the dairies using this concept of injecting cows with hormones should try promoting the product qualities and benefits of their endeavors by informing the consumers just how unique and wonderful their milk product from hormone injected cows is. Maybe they should bottle their milk and label it truthfully. They have carved out a niche market, but I see no practical marketing and promotion efforts on their part, except to complain about other niche market concepts that are working. The only marketing effort I see on their part, is making this issue a 'political football' in an attempt to legislate marketing. In conclusion, the absence of a label stating the 'presence' of milk from cows injected with injectable hormones (Posilac) is "misleading" and thus illegal. I request that all milk should be labeled accurately and fairly. Milk, from cows injected with artificial hormones, should be labeled, on the container. It is an unconventional process and should be labeled as such. Thank You Norm Oeding |
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