Dimethylpolysiloxane vs Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin: which is worse?

What is Dimethylpolysiloxane?

Dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS, polydimethylsiloxane) is a silicone-based polymer used as an antifoaming agent in food and beverages. It prevents the formation of foam during food manufacturing and cooking. It is the same base material used in silicone cookware, medical devices, and contact lenses.

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.

Documented risks

Dimethylpolysiloxane: Dimethylpolysiloxane is generally considered non-toxic. It is not absorbed by the gut and passes through the digestive system unchanged. The FDA permits it at up to 10 ppm in cooking oils. EFSA's evaluation found no evidence of toxicity at permitted food use levels. There are no established cancer or reproductive toxicity concerns with PDMS at food use concentrations. The compound is the same base polymer used in many safe medical applications including contact lenses and breast implants (though the medical grade is different purity). The main environmental concern is PDMS persistence in the environment, as it is not readily biodegradable. Primary consumer concern is psychological rather than toxicological: the fact that it is used in both McDonald's frying oil and Silly Putty (which also contains PDMS) generates public attention, but the chemistries are actually different grades of the same polymer family.

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.