Kraft's Evolving Policy on rBST
In January 2019, The Kraft Heinz Company announced a change for its Kraft Natural Cheese products, stating they would transition to using milk from cows not treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST). rBST is an artificial hormone used to increase milk production in dairy cows. This change applies to various Natural Cheese formats like shredded, sliced, block, and snacking cheese. This move by Kraft, a major U.S. cheese producer, was a response to consumer demand for dairy free of artificial hormones.
Important Exceptions: Which Products Still Use rBST?
Despite the 2019 policy for Natural Cheese, several Kraft products were excluded. Consumers should be aware that Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and processed cheese products were not included in the rBST-free milk sourcing initiative. This means products such as Kraft Singles and Velveeta may still be made with milk from rBST-treated cows. However, rBST is not allowed in dairy products in Canada. This distinction is important for consumers.
The Labeling Controversy
The use of "natural" labels on products potentially derived from rBST-treated cows has been controversial. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Kraft Heinz, alleging misleading marketing by using the "natural" label when some products still used milk that may have come from rBST-treated cows.
How to Identify rBST-Free Kraft Products
To help consumers identify rBST-free Kraft products:
- Look for the specific 'No rBST Hormone' label on packaging, often with a note about the FDA's position on treated vs. untreated milk.
- Focus on Kraft Natural Cheese varieties (shredded, block, sliced, snacking).
- Be cautious with processed cheeses (Kraft Singles, Velveeta) and hard Italian cheeses (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago).
- Check the official Kraft Heinz website or contact customer service for specific product details.
Natural Cheese vs. Processed Cheese: An rBST Comparison
| Product Category | rBST-Free Status (U.S.) | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft Natural Cheese | Yes | Shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack blocks, Provolone slices | Made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. |
| Kraft Processed Cheese | No | Kraft Singles, Velveeta | These products were explicitly excluded from the 2019 policy. |
| Hard Italian Cheeses | No | Parmesan, Romano, Asiago | Excluded from the rBST-free milk sourcing policy. |
| Philadelphia Cream Cheese | Not explicitly included | N/A | Excluded from the Natural Cheese policy's original announcement. |
The Larger Context of rBST in Dairy
The use of rBST has been a subject of debate. While the FDA states milk from rBST-treated cows is safe and there's no significant difference between treated and untreated milk, consumer demand has led many companies, including Kraft, to move away from it. Consumer group concerns often involve potential animal health issues, such as increased risk of mastitis, and associated antibiotic use.
Learn more about rBST from the FDA's official statements
Conclusion
The answer to "Does Kraft use rBST?" is specific to the product. Kraft Natural Cheese uses milk from cows not treated with rBST, reflecting a broader industry trend toward hormone-free options due to consumer preference. However, processed cheese and some Italian varieties from Kraft do not fall under this policy. Consumers should check labels and be aware of these exceptions to make informed choices.
Note: This article focuses on Kraft products in the U.S. Policies may vary by country.
