Letter to Ohio Governor Ted Strickland: Rescind Emergency Rule on Dairy Labeling

Consumers, dairy farmers, farm and agricultural organizations, public health, environmental groups, ethical investors, food processors and retailers ask to rescind an Ohio rule that would restrict labels that refer to milk that comes from cows not treated with a synthetic bovine growth hormone (known as rbGH). Although a court ruled in favor of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, in a lawsuit brought by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the Organic Trade Association (OTA), both IDFA and OTA are appealing that decision. In addition, similar legislation/regulations, which were being considered in other states, have all failed. We feel that the Ohio rule is not sufficiently pro-consumer, restricts free speech rights of dairies and processors and interferes with the smooth functioning of free markets.