Is Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called rBGH.
Other names: rBST, rBGH, Recombinant bovine growth hormone, Posilac
Is Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | Conventional US milk, Conventional US cheese, Conventional US yogurt, Conventional US ice cream, Any dairy not labeled rBGH-free or organic |
What is Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin?
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is the synthetic version of bovine growth hormone (BST), naturally produced by the pituitary gland in cattle. The recombinant version is produced using genetically engineered bacteria and is injected into dairy cows to increase milk production by 10-15%. Brand name: Posilac.
Why is Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin used in food?
Dairy producers use rBST to increase milk yield per cow, improving the economics of dairy production. It was FDA-approved in 1993. The dairy industry argued it reduced production costs and environmental footprint per unit of milk produced.
Is Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin dangerous? Documented risks
See recombinant-bovine-growth-hormone-rbgh for full detail. Key concerns: rBST elevates IGF-1 in milk; elevated blood IGF-1 is associated with breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer risk in epidemiological studies. Animal welfare: increased mastitis (up to 25-50% higher rates), lameness, and antibiotic use. The Codex Alimentarius Commission declined to endorse rBST safety MRLs in a historic 33-29 vote. Health Canada rejected rBST approval in 1999 after finding it caused significant animal health problems requiring increased antibiotic use.
Common US products containing Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin
- Conventional US milk
- Conventional US cheese
- Conventional US yogurt
- Conventional US ice cream
- Any dairy not labeled rBGH-free or organic
How to avoid Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin: safer alternatives
USDA Organic dairy is rBST-free by law. Look for 'rBGH-free,' 'rBST-free,' or 'No artificial hormones' labeling on conventional dairy.
Frequently asked questions about Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin
What is the difference between rBST and rBGH?
rBST and rBGH refer to the same synthetic hormone. rBGH stands for recombinant bovine growth hormone, rBST stands for recombinant bovine somatotropin (somatotropin being another name for growth hormone).
Is rBST safe?
The FDA and WHO consider rBST-derived milk safe for human consumption. Canada, the EU, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have banned it, citing insufficient evidence of safety and significant animal welfare concerns.
How do I find rBST-free milk?
Look for 'rBGH-free,' 'rBST-free,' 'No artificial hormones,' or 'USDA Organic' on dairy product labels. USDA Organic standards prohibit rBST by law.
Does rBST affect milk composition?
rBST increases IGF-1 levels in treated cows' milk compared to untreated cows. It may also affect somatic cell counts (white blood cells) due to mastitis, and some studies have found modest differences in protein and fat composition.
Is rBST a GMO?
rBST itself is a recombinant protein produced using genetically engineered bacteria, but the milk from rBST-treated cows is not GMO. The cows themselves are not genetically modified; only the hormone they receive is produced using genetic engineering.
Why did Canada ban rBST?
Health Canada rejected rBST approval in 1999 after a comprehensive review. The Canadian Bureau of Veterinary Drugs found that rBST-treated cows had significantly higher rates of mastitis, lameness, reproductive problems, and shorter productive lifespans, requiring substantially more antibiotic treatment — raising antibiotic resistance concerns alongside potential human health effects.
How prevalent is rBST use in US dairy?
Usage has declined since the 1990s peak due to consumer pressure and voluntary 'rBGH-free' commitments by major retailers. Estimates vary, but a significant portion of US conventional dairy still comes from rBST-treated cows. Major brands and retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Costco have committed to rBGH-free private label dairy.
Is rBST in organic cheese?
No. USDA certified organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic hormones including rBST in dairy animals. Any 'USDA Organic' dairy product including cheese is guaranteed to be from cows not treated with rBST.
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Sources
- FDA rBST Product Page — FDA
- Health Canada rejection of rBST 1999 — Health Canada
- IGF-1 and cancer risk (Hankinson et al., The Lancet 1998) — The Lancet
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.