Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH)

Bovine growth hormone is a naturally occurring hormone in cattle which regulates growth and milk production. A genetically engineered form, recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), is administered to cows in the
United States to accelerate maturation and increase milk production by 5 to 15 percent. Cows treated with rBGH secrete other substances in their milk, one of which is a known carcinogen. Residue of rBGH has also been found in meat products, such as the hamburger in fast food chains, which is made from cows no longer producing enough milk, and some evidence has shown that rBGH has detrimental effects on the human body. Based on this evidence, 25 European nations have banned rBGH, as have Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.