The facts about rbST
Welcome to rbST Facts, an online resource of factual information about recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), also known as recombinant bovine growth hormone. rbST Facts.org provides access to hundreds of documents focusing on the manufacture, use and impact of this dairy-production technology. These documents include reports, studies and findings from scientific and academic institutions and government and regulatory agencies, as well as news media reports and commentary from qualified scientific and professional authorities.
rbSTFacts.org neither endorses nor opposes the use of rbST. Its only goal is to provide a clearinghouse of scientifically-validated information about rbST.
Why rbSTFacts.org is needed
The development and use of rbST has been controversial. Certain issue-oriented advocacy groups – including those drawn from the animal rights and environmental movements, as well as “pure food” advocates and those opposed to the use of biotechnologies in the production of food – have been vocal in their criticism of rbST. Unfortunately, the arguments these opponents have put forward in their attempts to persuade others to their point of view have not always been based in scientific fact, or have constituted misunderstandings or distortions of scientific fact. Those asserting the safety and efficacy of rbST – including scientific institutions, government authorities and the dairy and pharmaceutical industries – have seen their reassurances dismissed and their credibility attacked. The debate between these two sides has played out largely in a news media that thrives on conflict and takes little responsibility for ascertaining and reporting the facts.
rbSTFacts.org presents information about rbST that originates in, or represents the consensus of, mainstream scientific opinion. It attempts to avoid the inclusion of claims and opinions that cannot be scientifically supported.
rbSTFacts.org respects the right of all individuals to come to their own conclusions regarding the advisability of using rbST in the production of dairy foods. Our only hope is that, whatever position you take, it reflects an acknowledgment and acceptance of science fact – not science fiction.
A note on nomenclature
rbST is known by many names. These include “bST,” “bGH,” “rbGH”, “recombinant bovine growth hormone” and “Posilac.” The clinical name for the naturally occurring protein hormone produced in the pituitary glands of all cattle is “bovine somatotropin,” denoted as “bST.” Human beings have learned how to reproduce an exact copy of this substance by means of recombinant DNA technologies. This version of bST is called “recombinant bovine somatotropin” or “rbST.” These are the names scientists use to describe these substances.
All somatotropins – whether from cattle, dogs, monkeys or human beings – are growth hormones. bST and rbST are therefore sometimes referred to as “bovine growth hormone” (bGH) and “recombinant bovine growth hormone” (rbGH), respectively.
“Posilac” is a brand name, not a scientific title. It was trademarked by Monsanto Inc. to refer to the commercially available version of rbST that the company manufactures. Monsanto Inc. is the only company approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture and sell rbST within the United States.