Kansas Says “No” to Consumers’ Right to Know

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Patty Lovera or Erin Greenfield
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Kansas Says “No” to Consumers’ Right to Know

Statement of Wenonah Hauter, Food & Water Watch Executive Director

“In spite of opposition from consumers, dairy farmers, and national food companies, today the Kansas legislature passed a rule that will deny consumers important information about how milk is produced. Similar to a rule adopted by Ohio last year, this new state law would go beyond the federal Food and Drug Administration’s guidance for labeling dairy products by requiring the use of a misleading disclaimer about the use of artificial hormones.  

“Milk is often sold across state lines by regional and national distributers, so labeling laws in just a few states can impact consumers nationwide. The Kansas ruling is just one more obstacle for national dairy companies who do not use artificial growth hormones to overcome when communicating with their customers.

“Before Governor Sebelius takes the national stage as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, she should veto this bill.  Consumers have the right to know what’s in their milk, and dairies have the right to tell them. Governor Sebelius should protect these rights as part of her political legacy in Kansas.”

Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer organization based in Washington, D.C., with offices in California, works to ensure clean water and safe food in the United States and around the world.  We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.  For more information, visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org.