Loading…
Quick answer: Coal tar carries the heavier risk profile. Coal tar is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is — in the EU and — in the US.
| Property | Coal tar | Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | — |
| US status | Allowed | — |
| Risk level | high | — |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | cmr | additive |
| Where it hides | anti-dandruff shampoo, hair dye, psoriasis products | — |
Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.
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.
Coal tar: A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.
Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin: 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.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Coal tar and Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (plus 200+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →