What Milk Has Artificial Growth Hormones and How to Avoid It

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 study, growth hormone residue levels in conventional milk were found to be 20 times higher than in organic milk, shedding light on a key difference in dairy production. This disparity leads many consumers to ask: what milk has artificial growth hormones, and how can I ensure I am purchasing products free from them?

Quick Summary

An exploration of dairy production, detailing how certain conventional milk uses the artificial hormone rBGH/rBST to increase milk yield. It contrasts this with organic and specifically labeled rBGH-free milk, explaining label-reading techniques and providing information on global regulations and associated health concerns.

Key Points

rBGH is a Synthetic Hormone: Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as rBST, is an artificial hormone used in some dairy farms to increase milk production.
Organic Milk is rBGH-Free: All milk carrying the USDA Organic certification is legally required to be produced without the use of synthetic growth hormones.
Check for Specific Labels: Many conventional milk brands voluntarily label their products as "rBGH-Free" or "rBST-Free" to indicate they source from untreated cows.
Use Varies by Region: The use of rBGH is approved in the U.S. but is banned throughout Canada and the entire European Union.
Potential for Increased IGF-1: Milk from rBGH-treated cows can have higher levels of the growth factor IGF-1, though the health implications for humans are still debated.
Animal Welfare Concerns: Use of rBGH has been linked to increased health problems in cows, including higher rates of mastitis and lameness.
Look Beyond Dairy for Options: Plant-based milks like almond, soy, and oat milk are naturally free of bovine growth hormones.

The Controversial Use of rBGH in Dairy Production

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), is a synthetic hormone used by some dairy farmers to increase milk production in cows. Approved by the U.S. FDA in 1993, its use is not universal in conventional farming and is banned in many countries like Canada and the European Union due to animal welfare concerns. While the FDA considers milk from treated cows safe, consumer concern persists.

Why Farmers Use Artificial Growth Hormones

Farmers primarily use rBGH to boost milk yield by up to 15%, providing an economic advantage, especially for large operations. However, this can negatively impact animal health, potentially increasing instances of mastitis, lameness, and reproductive problems. These health issues may also lead to greater antibiotic use.

How to Identify Milk with and Without Artificial Hormones

To avoid milk from cows treated with rBGH, look for products labeled as certified organic or specifically marked as rBGH-free or rBST-free. Many brands now include these labels. The USDA organic label strictly prohibits the use of synthetic growth hormones.

Global Perspectives and Labeling Differences

Regulations on artificial growth hormones in milk vary globally. In the U.S., labeling is not mandatory for milk from rBGH-treated cows, though voluntary labels are common. In contrast, Canada and the European Union have banned rBGH, ensuring all milk produced there is free of the hormone.


Comparison Table: Milk Production with and without rBGH	Feature	Milk from rBGH-Treated Cows	Organic or rBGH-Free Milk
Hormone Use	Treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH/rBST) to increase milk yield.	Prohibits the use of synthetic growth hormones as part of USDA organic standards.
Animal Health	Higher risk of health issues like mastitis, lameness, and reproductive problems.	Prioritizes animal welfare and uses preventive care, resulting in healthier herds.
Labeling	Not required to be labeled in the U.S. but may be sold alongside labeled rBGH-free products.	Clearly labeled as "USDA Organic" or "rBGH-free" / "rBST-free".
Antibiotic Use	Increased risk of mastitis leads to higher potential for antibiotic use.	Strict limits on antibiotic use; treated animals lose organic certification.
Hormone Levels	Studies show significantly higher levels of the growth factor IGF-1 in milk.	Levels of growth factors consistent with a cow's natural biological cycle.

Navigating the Dairy Aisle

Consumers have clear options to find milk without artificial hormones. USDA Certified Organic products guarantee no synthetic growth hormones were used. Many conventional brands also add "rBGH-Free" or "rBST-Free" labels. Store-brand or generic milk without these labels might come from treated cows. Plant-based milks are naturally free from bovine growth hormones. Consumer demand has significantly influenced labeling practices, enabling informed purchasing decisions.

Conclusion

While artificial growth hormones like rBGH are still used in some U.S. conventional dairy, consumers can confidently choose milk without them by looking for USDA Organic or rBGH-free labels. The global variation in rBGH use and labeling underscores the importance of understanding food production. By examining labels and staying informed, consumers can identify what milk has artificial growth hormones and select products aligning with their preferences for animal welfare and health. The FDA website offers further details on food safety standards.(https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/bovine-somatotropin-bst)

Frequently Asked Questions

Many major conventional brands, in addition to all organic brands, have transitioned to being rBGH-free. While brand lists can change, look for products labeled with 'rBGH-free,' 'rBST-free,' or 'no artificial growth hormones.' All USDA Organic certified milk is guaranteed free of these hormones.

No, not all conventional milk contains artificial growth hormones. Due to consumer demand, many conventional dairy farms have stopped the practice and advertise their products as rBGH-free. Checking the label for a specific 'rBGH-free' or 'rBST-free' claim is the best way to be sure.

The U.S. FDA has deemed milk from rBGH-treated cows safe, though some organizations and studies raise concerns about potential links between elevated levels of the growth factor IGF-1 and certain health risks. Health concerns are a primary reason many countries have banned the practice.

Non-dairy milks, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, are derived from plants and are not produced using bovine growth hormones. The concern over rBGH/rBST applies only to milk from dairy cows.

The 'USDA Organic' certification prohibits the use of synthetic growth hormones, including rBGH and rBST, in dairy cattle. This label offers a clear assurance for consumers looking to avoid these additives.

The ban of rBGH in countries like Canada and the European Union was largely driven by concerns over animal welfare. Studies have shown an increased risk of health problems like mastitis in treated cows.

Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream made from milk sourced from rBGH-treated cows can contain residues of the hormone and associated growth factors. To avoid these, look for products that are either certified organic or carry an rBGH-free label.