The Right to Know

by Expat Chef

It seems perfectly logical that we all should have a right to know what a substance is before we put it into our body and where it came from. I mean, I can look on my alarm clock and find out where it was made, and I'm not going to eat it.

Yet, food labeling legislation (COOL, or Country Of Origin Labeling) has consistently been postponed and delayed at the federal level since it was first included in the Farm Bill from 2002. It's no wonder so many of us worry when the few allowed and voluntary food labels that can help consumers make good choices are obscured.

Twelve years ago, the FDA approved voluntary labels for marking dairy products as being free from rBST or rBSH hormones. Most have to include the disclaimer that there is no reason to believe this hormone-free milk is any better, but for those of us who care, the choice is there. And, it remained there even as Monsanto (maker of the growth hormone) tried to pressure the FDA to disallow this labeling. The FDA wisely resisted Monsanto's request.

Thus, it seems really odd when this right to voluntary label hormone-free products has been rescinded at the state level in a recent announcement by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Apparently, since the announcement, similar discussions have begun at the state level for Ohio and New Jersey.

I asked my local dairy farmer, owner of a large, grassfed, all-natural and sustainable operation, what his thoughts were on the labeling turnaround. His comments were as follows:

"People have a choice in every day life related to a lot of things. Most decisions are made after obtaining facts and then making a decision.  One of the many reasons customers choose Shatto Milk, their only local milk option, is because of the fact that we do not inject our cows with artificial growth hormones of any type.  They may think milk without such artificial hormones is better for them or they may be thinking of the cow and thinking that a cow that is not treated in this way is a happier and less stressed animal.  No matter the reason for their decision, they want to know and understand before making that decision.  All people deserve the facts and that is what we believe they are due.  I think it is not a good thing for the people of PA if the state is no longer allowing its dairy companies to tell their customers the truth about what they are getting or are not getting in their milk.  I also think it is very interesting what has been done with this issue in the EU and Canada.  If you look at the disclaimer that the FDA already makes us put on our bottle related to this issue, I do not see the problem in simply stating the facts of the products."

If you want to address any comments to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, you can do so at this link.

Comments

[Wicked Good Dinner]

Just a few weeks ago I learned I have some major food allergies that had been written off as milk and hayfever allergies. Turns out I'm allergic to soy and many nuts.

I've spent the last three weeks doing nothing but reading food labels and I'm shocked. Even things we thought were healthy have so much junk in them.

I'm definitely more aware. But I'm definitely angry now, too. I can't believe all of the nasty stuff in prepared foods.

I've been enjoying your blog...got lots more to read!

[expatchef]

Thanks for stopping by. It's important to read food labels, but mainly just the ingredient list and the nutrition info. The marketing copy on the rest is often misleading and does not accurately reflect the actual food within. Good luck with the allergies.