Kroger milk to be rBST-free by February '08

CINCINNATI The Kroger Co. announced today it will complete the transition of milk it processes and sells in its stores to a certified rBST-free supply by February 2008.

The company said its decision was based on customer feedback in the markets it serves. Earlier this year, Kroger transitioned the milk it sells in the western half of the U.S. to a certified rBST-free supply. This move includes milk it processes and sells in its City Market, Dillons, Fry's, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's divisions and Kroger stores in Louisiana and Texas.

By February 2008, milk the company processes and sells in its stores throughout the Midwest and Southeast will also be certified as rBST-free. This includes Kroger banner stores in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia."

Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is given to cows to help increase milk production. The Food and Drug Administration has concluded there is no difference between milk derived from cows treated with rBST and those that have not been treated. For the past 10 years, Kroger has informed its raw milk suppliers that the company prefers milk from cows that have not been given rBST, based on consumer preference.