Bushra Griffith
Vermont Creamery is a company that has been crafting dairy products since 1984. They have stated that they only purchase cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free, and their supplying farms provide them with affidavits stating that they do not use growth hormones to increase milk production. However, in 2011, Agri-Mark Inc., the parent company of Cabot Creamery Cooperative, faced a similar accusation of misleading the public about their hormone-free claims. This raises the question: Is Vermont Creamery cheese truly hormone-free, and what measures are in place to ensure transparency and accuracy in their claims?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are Vermont Creamery retail products certified gluten-free? | Yes, by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization |
| Does Vermont Creamery use milk from animals treated with growth hormones? | No, they only purchase cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free and obtain an affidavit from supplying farms stating that they do not use growth hormones |
| Does the FDA require milk to be tested for antibiotics? | Yes |
| Does Vermont Creamery cheese contain vitamin D? | No |
| Does Cabot Creamery Cooperative, a cheese and butter maker in Vermont, use growth hormones in their products? | Yes, they use recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), a synthesized hormone given to cows to increase milk production |
| Has Agri-Mark Inc, the parent company of Cabot Creamery Cooperative, settled a Vermont state complaint that it misled the public over claims that its products are hormone-free? | Yes, they agreed to pay a $65,000 fine, donate $75,000 in dairy products to local food banks, and maintain a webpage listing Cabot products that contain the growth hormone |
| Has the FDA found a difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows? | No |
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What You'll Learn
- Vermont Creamery only uses cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free
- Their suppliers provide an affidavit stating no use of growth hormones
- The FDA requires all milk to be tested for antibiotics before use
- The FDA states no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows
- Vermont Creamery cheese is certified gluten-free
Vermont Creamery only uses cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free
Vermont Creamery has been crafting delicious dairy products since 1984. The company uses only cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free, meaning the milk is free from recombinant bovine somatotropin, a synthesized hormone given to cows to increase milk production. The supplying farms provide Vermont Creamery with an affidavit stating that they do not use growth hormones to boost milk production in their cows. This means that all Vermont Creamery retail products are Certified Hormone-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, which has conducted extensive evaluations of ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance.
Vermont Creamery's commitment to creating hormone-free products is part of their broader mission to make extraordinary products while ensuring that their business has a positive impact on the world. This includes not just their customers but also their employees, farmers, communities, and anyone who enjoys their products.
In addition to being hormone-free, all the milk used to make Vermont Creamery products is pasteurized, as required by law for all fresh cheeses aged less than 60 days. The company also ensures that their milk is free from antibiotics, as any milk that shows traces of antibiotics is rejected.
While Vermont Creamery's products are hormone-free, it's important to note that the FDA has stated that there is no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows. Nonetheless, Vermont Creamery's dedication to creating hormone-free products aligns with their commitment to producing high-quality, delicious dairy products while upholding ethical standards.
Vermont Creamery's stance on hormone-free products is an important aspect of their brand, and they have taken steps to ensure transparency and compliance in this regard.
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Their suppliers provide an affidavit stating no use of growth hormones
Vermont Creamery is committed to providing its customers with high-quality, hormone-free cheese. The company only purchases cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free, ensuring that no artificial growth hormones are used in their products. This is supported by affidavits from their supplying farms, which state that they do not use growth hormones to increase milk production in their cows. By obtaining these affidavits, Vermont Creamery takes proactive steps to assure its customers that its products are free from artificial hormones.
The use of growth hormones in dairy farming has been a controversial topic. Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), also known as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), is a synthetic hormone given to cows to boost their milk production. However, its use has raised concerns among consumers and led to debates about its potential impact on human health and animal welfare. As a result, many consumers actively seek out dairy products that are free from these artificial hormones.
Vermont Creamery recognizes the importance of transparency and accountability in its supply chain. By requiring affidavits from their suppliers, they can provide assurance to their customers that their products are indeed hormone-free. This practice also allows them to uphold their commitment to producing high-quality, natural products that are not only delicious but also align with the values of their health-conscious consumers.
The affidavits provided by the supplying farms play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Vermont Creamery's hormone-free claim. These legal documents serve as a formal statement or declaration, attesting to the fact that the farms have not used growth hormones in their cow's milk production. By obtaining these affidavits, Vermont Creamery can confidently assure its customers that its products meet their expectations and adhere to the company's own standards for quality and safety.
While Vermont Creamery takes stringent measures to ensure the absence of artificial growth hormones, it is important to note that the FDA has stated that there is no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows. Nonetheless, Vermont Creamery remains dedicated to its values and continues to prioritize the use of hormone-free milk and cream in its cheese-making process. This commitment to transparency and natural practices has helped establish the company's reputation for producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products that are enjoyed by consumers across the country.
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The FDA requires all milk to be tested for antibiotics before use
Vermont Creamery, a company that has been crafting dairy products since 1984, is committed to making products that taste extraordinary while ensuring that its business has a positive impact on the world. The company's cheese products are made from milk, which naturally contains small amounts of trans fatty acids. Vermont Creamery ensures that all the milk used to make its products is pasteurized, as required by law for fresh cheeses aged less than 60 days.
The company has also addressed the question of whether they use milk from animals treated with growth hormones (rBST). They state that they only purchase cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free and obtain affidavits from supplying farms confirming that they do not use growth hormones. However, it is important to note that Vermont Creamery's parent company, Agri-Mark Inc., previously faced a complaint from the state of Vermont regarding misleading claims about the hormone content of its products. As a result, Agri-Mark agreed to pay a fine and take corrective actions.
In the context of cheese production and dairy farming, the presence of antibiotics in milk is a crucial concern. The FDA enforces strict regulations to ensure that milk is safe for human consumption. The FDA requires that all milk be tested for antibiotics before it is received at the creamery, and any milk containing traces of antibiotics is rejected. This testing process is part of the National Drug Residue Milk Monitoring Program, which aims to identify and address the use of illegal drugs by dairy farmers.
The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) mandates the collection of raw milk samples every time milk is picked up from a dairy farm. These samples are then tested for the presence of specific antibiotics, particularly Beta-lactam drugs, which include penicillin, ampicillin, and other similar substances. If a truckload of milk tests positive, it is rejected, and farmers must discard their milk for several days until the residues disappear. This testing protocol helps ensure that milk supplied to creameries and consumers is free from antibiotic residues, which can occur when cows are treated with drugs.
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The FDA states no significant difference between milk from rBST-treated and untreated cows
Vermont Creamery uses only rBST-free milk and cream from cows, with supplying farms providing an affidavit stating that they do not use growth hormones to boost milk production. The company's FAQ section also mentions that the FDA requires all milk to be tested for antibiotics before arriving at the creamery, and any trace of antibiotics results in rejection.
The FDA has stated that there is "no significant difference" between milk from cows treated with rBST and those that are not. The FDA's judgment is that while there might be a measurable difference, it is not substantial enough to affect people. This is supported by a study from the University of Georgia, which showed that there was no statistically significant derivation in cases of clinical mastitis in dairy cows treated with rBST. The overall composition of the milk, including fat, protein, and lactose content, is also not altered substantially by the use of rBST.
The concern over milk from rBST-treated cows is primarily about the potential absorption of rBST from the milk when consumed. People worry that the extra hormones could upset their body's chemical balance. However, it is unclear whether humans can absorb meaningful amounts of rBST from milk, and there is no evidence that consuming milk from rBST-treated cows is harmful to humans. The FDA, World Health Organization, and National Institutes of Health have all independently stated that dairy products and meat from rBST-treated cows are safe for human consumption.
Despite the FDA's approval, the controversy surrounding the use of rBST in dairy farming persists. Many consumers believe that non-rBST products are safer, and some companies have chosen to avoid using milk from rBST-treated cows altogether. Additionally, regulatory bodies in several countries, including Canada, Japan, and the EU, have rejected applications to sell rBST due to the increased risk of health problems in cows, such as mastitis, reduced fertility, and reduced body condition.
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Vermont Creamery cheese is certified gluten-free
Vermont Creamery has been crafting delicious dairy products since 1984. The company's first product was its award-winning fresh goat cheese, which is still a favourite today. Vermont Creamery is committed to making extraordinary products while ensuring its business has a positive impact on the world.
All Vermont Creamery retail products are Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. This independent organization has conducted extensive evaluations of ingredients and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with the FDA threshold of fewer than 20 ppm of gluten.
Vermont Creamery's cheeses are crafted with care and attention to detail. The company's fresh and aged goat cheeses are best enjoyed after being left at room temperature for 30 minutes to one hour. The aged cheeses are soft, mold-ripened, and feature a distinctive "brain-like" wrinkled texture thanks to the Geotrichum Candidum strain of culture used in the cheesemaking process.
Vermont Creamery is dedicated to transparency and ethical practices. The company only purchases cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free, with supplying farms providing affidavits stating that they do not use growth hormones. Vermont Creamery also ensures that all milk is tested for antibiotics, rejecting any that show traces.
Vermont Creamery's commitment to quality and safety is evident in their products, and their certification by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization provides consumers with confidence in the gluten-free nature of their cheese products.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Vermont Creamery only purchases cows' milk and cream that is rBST-free. They receive affidavits from supplying farms stating that they do not use growth hormones to boost milk production in their cows.
No, there is no rBST equivalent for goats.
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is a synthesized hormone given to cows to increase milk production.
In the United States, the FDA requires that all milk be tested for antibiotics before it is received at the creamery. Any milk that shows traces of antibiotics is rejected.
No, Vermont Creamery does not use milk from cows treated with growth hormones.
