Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin vs Butylated Hydroxyanisole: which is worse?
Quick answer: Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin carries the heavier risk profile. Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is — in the EU and — in the US; Butylated Hydroxyanisole is — in the EU and — in the US.
| Property | Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin | Butylated Hydroxyanisole |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | — |
| US status | — | — |
| Risk level | — | — |
| Banned in | European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand | Japan (banned for foods containing fats and oils) |
| Restricted in | — | European Union (restricted; banned in baby food), United Kingdom |
| Category | additive | additive |
| Where it hides | — | — |
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.
What is Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant preservative derived from petroleum (see also bha entry). It is a mixture of 2-BHA and 3-BHA isomers, used to prevent oxidative rancidity in fats, oils, and fat-containing foods. Chemical formula C11H16O2.
Documented risks
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.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole: IARC classifies BHA as Group 2B (possible human carcinogen) based on forestomach tumor studies in rodents at high doses. The NTP lists it as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.' EFSA's 2012 review found endocrine-disrupting potential. Japan banned it for food use. The FDA permits it at 0.02% of fat content. Concerns about estrogen-receptor interaction have been documented in animal studies. Contact dermatitis from cosmetic use is reported.
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