Is rBGH Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: rBGH is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (hormones).
CAS 9002-72-6.
Other names: rBST, recombinant bovine growth hormone, bovine somatotropin
Is rBGH banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | conventional milk, cheese, dairy products |
| CAS number | 9002-72-6 |
What is rBGH?
rBGH is a synthetic growth hormone injected into dairy cows to boost milk yield.
Why is rBGH used in food?
Producers use it to increase weight gain, milk output or feed efficiency.
Is rBGH dangerous? Documented risks
Banned in the EU, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand over animal-welfare and elevated IGF-1 concerns.
Common US products containing rBGH
- conventional milk
- cheese
- dairy products
How to avoid rBGH: safer alternatives
Choose organic, grass-fed or 'no added hormones' certified meat and dairy, or EU-imported products. BannedPantry flags conventional animal products linked to banned hormones.
Frequently asked questions about rBGH
Is rBGH banned in the EU?
Yes — rBGH is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is rBGH allowed in the US?
rBGH is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is rBGH a concern?
Independent reviews flag rBGH for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid rBGH?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag rBGH instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains rBGH or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related hormones
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- Banned ingredients in other countries — Food Revolution Network
- EFSA food additives — EFSA
- FDA Food Additives — U.S. FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.