Monsanto in milk hormone row

30 April 1999

Monsanto in milk hormone row

MONSANTO has found itself in the middle of another row – this time as the third party in a dispute between Brussels and Washington over artificial hormones in milk.

The US-based biotechnology firm, already embroiled in the controversy over genetically modified food, produces bovine somatotropin (BST).

Critics claim that BST, which is a hormone that can be injected into cows to boost milk production, has damaging side-effects.

But the USA is expected to challenge any attempt to renew a European Union ban on the use of BST, which currently extends to the end of the year.

Washington and Brussels are still at loggerheads over a threat by Europe to extend its ban on hormone-treated US beef to imports of all beef from American sources.

• Trade war looms over beef, FWi, yesterday (29 April, 1999)
• Monsantod milk sparks new GM row, FWi, 22 March, 1999
• Canadas thumbs-down for BST, FWi, 22 January, 1999
• Welfare group calls for ban on cattle hormone, FWi, 19 August, 1998
  

• The Times 30/04/02/99 page 31
  
• The Guardian 30/04/99 page 22