Our dairy farmers work day and night to make sure your food is safe but we know you have some questions. Here are some commonly asked questions about food safety.
This “growth hormone” has gotten a bad rap over the last several years from people worried about consuming foods with added hormones. However extensive studies have shown that cows treated with rBST produce the same wholesome milk as cows not treated. But you spoke and we listened and are proud to report that all Washington milk is rBST free. Want to learn more about rBST? Click the link below.
There is no question, Mad Cow Disease is a scary topic. We are happy to report that the World Health Organization, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the FDA, and other major health organizations have affirmed (and reaffirmed) that milk and milk products do not contain or transmit mad cow disease. For more information, please visit the resources below.
There is no way around it: animals get sick just like humans do and just like humans they sometimes need help getting over their illness. This is where antibiotics come into play. Dairy cows that are sick and need to be given antibiotics are immediately temporarily removed from the herd and relocated to the farm’s hospital pen. While it is still necessary for sick cows to continue to be milked, the milk collected from that cow is promptly (and safely) disposed of so that it will not enter the human or animal food supply.
To ensure that it is antibiotic free, all milk throughout the United States (including Washington) is strictly tested for antibiotic residues:
If the milk that is tested has any trace of antibiotics, that milk is disposed of and does not enter the food supply. Have more questions about antibiotic use on dairy farms? Check out the resources below.
