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Growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides are
understandably of increased public concern. The debate of non
organic versus organic milk is on the rise. The Canada
Food Guide recommends eating or drinking two to four servings
of milk and milk products each day but consumers are concerned
about the quality of our milk.
First the good news ..
Healthy, drug free cows make healthier drug free milk.
Nothing is added to milk except vitamin A and D which is required
by law. Therefore, the concern about the contents of milk pertain
to the source, the dairy cow. Fortunately, Canada has made the
use of growth hormones, such as BST (Bovine Somatotropin) and
rBGH (Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) illegal for use with
dairy cows. Very little pure white liquid milk is imported into
Canada therefore there is a good level of protection from these
hormones in this type of Canadian milk. Flavoured milks and
milk in other forms however, are imported and therefore may
contain growth hormones. Also, there is currently no way for
consumers to know how much liquid (and therefore Canadian) milk
is in the Canadian cheese and ice cream they purchase. Milk
protein concentrates and modified milk ingredients are imported
into Canada, some from the U.S.A and many ice creams and cheese
contain these.
What's the concern?
Evidence supports that growth hormones may promote some types
of cancer and early signs of puberty in humans.
As for antibiotics, these are given to cows in Canada and are
actually allowed even when the animal is not sick. Milk is tested
on a selective basis at the farm and at the processor to ensure
that no antibiotics are present. If they are present, antibiotics
must be cleared before that milk can enter the collection system
again and the farmer is penalized.
In terms of pesticides and other chemicals, there are no regular
tests for these. Some protection could be obtained from these
chemicals by choosing lower fat (Health Canada study showed
that dioxin-like chemicals concentrate more in higher fat dairy)
and organic dairy products.
Organic Milk
An organic dairy farm does not utilize synthetic fertilizers,
pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or insecticides. The cows
cannot be given growth hormones, genetically modified organisms,
colouring agents, animal by-products or medicated feed. Sustainable
crop rotation must be practised. This type of farming protects
the environment, people and animals living in the area and promotes
more sustainable food production. Organic milk is more expensive
but new evidence has been found in research done at the New
Castle University (funded by the European Union) showing that
organic foods including milk are higher in nutritional value.
The organic milk contained higher levels of Vitamin E, Beta
carotene, essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
The Bottom Line
Do what you are most comfortable with. Health Canada and the
Food Inspection Agency regularly check both organic and non
organic milk to ensure that they are safe. Dairy farms in Canada
are still relatively small (average herd is 62 cows compared
to 105 in the U.S) and many dairy cows are free-ranging. As
for the extra nutrients in organic milk, if you eat a healthy,
varied diet you may be getting the recommended amount of these
already. If not or if you are dealing with picky eaters, organic
milk would be a good choice.
Know and Tell
- Most of the time, Stephanie purchases organic milk - she
believes that it is better quality and feels good knowing
that the cows are living in more natural conditions, resulting
in happier cows with healthier milk. When purchasing ice cream
and cheese she goes for quality, not quantity.
- Patti's fridge contains many variety of organic milk - goat,
rice, almond and soy. She swears by the vanilla almond milk
in her tea.
- Tamey's favorite drink is milk. She has tried organic milk
several times and just doesn't like the taste. She does buy
it for her children once in awhile, after reading hits article
she will more often for that one child of hers who doesn't
eat that well.
Written by Stephanie O'Manique who has recently published
the 2008
Nicely Nourished recipe calendar that helps to answer the
notorious question "What's for dinner?" every day
of the year.
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