Monsanto and rBGH (a growth hormone used in milk)

Vanity Fair have a fascinating article relating to Monsanto, a company with a rich history in producing products for killing weeds, improving agricultural production, Agent Orange, PCB's, dioxin, genetically modified seeds, lawsuits against those who may have a differing viewpoint regarding what goes into milk producing cattle, healthy fish that learn quickly to swim upside down just before they die. The list is long. However, as Monsanto are quick to point out, the company is not the old company but the new company. The old company is one who were involved in the creation of some of the most polluted areas in the USA. Instead, the new company has a host of private investigators and lawyers who run around and try to find farmers who are illegally using their products - sometimes, even if the people are not even farmers...

More on the company here. Posilac and 'pus and blood in milk' from the FDA.

What is perhaps not fully clear are the number of people who hold (or have held) positions in the company who have direct influence within the US Government, now hold a position with the US Government, or go on to hold positions with them. A bit of the 'poacher turned gamekeeper' or 'gamekeeper turned poacher' perhaps? Would you not be a little concerned if someone who has experience of being a major polluter, who has denied any involvement, done everything they can to prevent settlement, or any similar forms of egregious harm to the environment or food safety, could go on to hold a position where they are able to determine the laws that control these very serious problems to health and food standards? It could happen... oh, it has... here, and of course:

"Former Monsanto employees currently hold positions in US government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ (EPA) and the Supreme Court. These include Clarence Thomas, Michael Taylor, Ann Veneman, Linda Fisher, Michael Friedman, William D. Ruckelshaus, and Mickey Kantor.^[19] Linda Fisher has been back and forth between positions at Monsanto and the EPA"

Oh, almost forgot to include the information regarding pus in milk. It happens naturally of course. In the US the FDA permitted levels are (I think) double that of the levels allowed in the EU...

"Monsanto acknowledges that the possible side effects of rBST for cows include lameness, disorders of the uterus, increased body temperature, digestive problems, and birthing difficulties. Veterinary drug reports note that “cows injected with Posilac are at an increased risk for mastitis,” an udder infection in which bacteria and pus may be pumped out with the milk."


Thanks to TF for improving my breakfast cereal experience...