What is rbST?
rbST is the acronym for recombinant bovine somatotropin, a synthetic version of a protein hormone that is produced naturally in the pituitary glands of all cattle, including dairy cows. rbST is used to stimulate milk production in dairy cows. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, there is no difference between milk from cows treated with rbST, and milk from those that haven't been treated.
If rbST doesn't cause health problems, why is Challenge moving to milk produced without it?
We believe in choice. Our customers have spoken, and we're listening. Our independent research indicates that 70 percent of butter consumers are concerned about the use of rbST, 60 percent want no added hormones or rbST in dairy foods, and 74 percent expect premium quality dairy products to have no added hormones or rbST. We believe they should have the opportunity to choose products with milk made from cows not treated with rbST.
Are all Challenge Butter products going to be rbST-free?
We are starting with our core Challenge Butter products—Challenge Butter and Challenge Unsalted Butter in the 1-pound, ½-pound, and Whipped sizes.
Is this going to affect the taste or functionality of Challenge Butter products?
No. rbST does not have anything to do with flavor or performance of milk or dairy products.
Does that mean rbST-free Challenge Butter is hormone-free?
No. Challenge Butter is made from milk, and all milk contains naturally occurring hormones.
Where does Challenge get the milk it uses to make its products?
We rely on over 600 family-owned farms to deliver the best tasting, highest quality milk to produce Challenge Butter. Challenge Dairy is a wholly owned subsidiary of California Dairies Inc. (CDI), the second largest Dairy Cooperative in the United States. In January 2007, CDI announced its decision to ask its members to stop the use of the growth hormone rbST, effective August 1, 2007.
How can you be sure producers are not using rbST?
All CDI producers are required to submit a written affidavit that they have discontinued use of rbST. This will be backed up by routine inspections by the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) and CDI field personnel.
Do other countries use rbST?
The use of rbST is banned in Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to the United States, rbST is used in South Africa, Brazil, Columbia, Korea, Costa Rica, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, and Mexico.
If rbST doesn't cause health problems, why is Challenge moving to milk produced without it?
We believe in choice. Our customers have spoken and we're listening. Our independent research indicates that 70 percent of butter consumers are concerned about the use of rbST, 60 percent want no added hormones or rbST in dairy foods and 74 percent expect premium quality dairy products to have no added hormones or rbST. We believe they should have the opportunity to choose products made from milk not treated with rbST.
They are not alone. Major retailers including Safeway, Kroger, Starbucks, Chipotle and Whole Foods have all announced they will no longer carry milk products treated with rbST.
