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Quick answer: Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin carries the heavier risk profile. Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is — in the EU and — in the US; Xanthan Gum is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin | Xanthan Gum |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | Allowed |
| US status | — | Allowed |
| Risk level | — | low |
| Banned in | European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand | — |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | additive | additive |
| Where it hides | — | Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Breyers Ice Cream |
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.
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is a white to off-white powder that dissolves in cold or hot water to form a viscous gel. It is widely used as a thickener and stabilizer and is a key ingredient in gluten-free baking.
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.
Xanthan Gum: Generally recognized as safe by both FDA and EFSA. At high doses, xanthan gum can have laxative effects due to its fermentable fiber content, producing gas and bloating in some individuals. A 2011 case report in the journal Pediatrics raised concerns about xanthan gum in infant formula (as 'Simply Thick') being associated with necrotizing enterocolitis; the FDA subsequently advised against its use in premature infants. For healthy adults consuming normal food amounts, it poses no significant health risk.
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