A July 7, 2005 article by Gary White on the website of the Florida newspaper The Ledger noted some customers' fear-driven purchases of organic milk but also quoted ACSH Advisor Thomas G. Baumgartner's reassurances about conventional milk:
While the rising sales figures suggest growing unease about the use of hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides on factory dairy farms, the Food and Drug Administration approves of their use. That position makes sense, according to Thomas G. Baumgartner, a University of Florida professor who says there is no evidence that conventional milk carries health risks.
Baumgartner, a clinical professor in the colleges of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry, also serves on the American Council on Science and Health, a nonprofit consortium devoted to challenging what it considers misconceptions about public policy questions. He notes that no major health agency has issued warnings about the use of bovine growth hormone or antibiotics in dairy cows.
While Baumgartner says synthetic hormones from milk could spawn serious problems -- including cancer -- if introduced to the bloodstream, he says the acids in the stomach break down the potentially harmful elements before they can be absorbed.
He adds that studies have found no link between hormones in foods and earlier onset of puberty among American girls, an issue raised by advocates for organic milk.
"There really is not a spattering of evidence that there's any harm" from drinking regular milk, Baumgartner says.
