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Is Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin banned?

Yes. Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is banned, restricted, or carries a mandatory warning label in 5 countries including European Union, Canada, Japan. The US FDA still permits it, which is why it shows up in everyday American food and beauty products.

Countries where Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is banned or restricted

Country / RegionStatus
European UnionBanned or restricted
CanadaBanned or restricted
JapanBanned or restricted
AustraliaBanned or restricted
New ZealandBanned or restricted

Why Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is flagged

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.

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