DuPont Nutrition & Health announces rBST-free dairy cultures

Consumer focus on healthy ingredients is increasing, driving the demand for dairy sources free of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST). DuPont Nutrition & Health has responded to consumer preference in the US, announcing its dairy culture line will not obtain rBST ingredients moving forward.

The company has identified reliable local sources and backup supply for rBST-free ingredients, and ensured certification from all suppliers.

“As transparency becomes the norm, dairy producers can have the confidence in DuPont sourcing for all ingredients used to make cultures,” said Jeff Lambeseder, Regional Product Manager/Cultures. “Requests for rBST-free have increased, so we set our sights on all of the necessary certified dairy sources and were able to accomplish this next milestone in our cultures offerings.”

While these products have been widely available in Europe, the growing global trend for clean label food and fewer artificial ingredients encouraged the company to work with local dairy sources to make this possible in North America.

“Making sure all the proper documentation and certification was in place has taken a while, but we can now give our customers the assurance they desire,” Lambeseder said.

rBST has been used for a long time to help cows increase milk production, but it has been banned in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union over health fears. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have previously concluded that rBSTs are safe for human consumption and that there is no significant difference between milk from cows treated with rBST and milk that is not.

However, DuPont Nutrition & Health’s drive to satisfy consumer demand encouraged its decision to remove rBST.

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