CITIZEN ALERT! Convince Yoplait that true pink means rBGH-free milk

Citizen and commercial initiatives to increase access to dairy products free of synthetic rBGH continue across the United States. They were given a boost, ironically, last winter by industry-supported efforts in a number of states to prevent food labels from carrying even truthful “rBGH-free” data. Farmers and consumers have questioned the net benefits of the production-enhancing artificial hormone (extending lactation beyond natural periods) on animal welfare and nagging human health concerns.

The health advocacy group Breast Cancer Action (BCA) wants General Mills, maker of Yoplait yogurt, to switch to rBGH-free milk in the popular line of yogurt products.

Yoplait has pledged to donate at least $500,000, with additional funds generated as a portion of its profits based on yogurt lids sent in by consumers up to $1.5 million through December 31. "Yoplait has made a public commitment to breast cancer, but there are concerns about what's under the lid," said Barbara Brenner, BCA Executive Director.

The BCA’s “Think Before You pink” campaign focuses on "pinkwashers" –-companies that claim to care about breast cancer by promoting its contributions from sales, but manufacture products that are linked to the disease. In a draft action letter ready for sending or amending, there is this plea to the chairman of General Mills: “By making your yogurt with only rBGH-free milk, you will be creating a healthier product for millions of women. If General Mills goes rBGH-free, other companies will follow your leadership, thus increasing the availability of artificial hormone-free dairy.

More information: The American Nurses Association, in its Nurses' Toolkit on rBGH-free Dairy  gives background on the group’s call in June 2008 to eliminate rBGH in dairy production.