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Production-related contaminants (pesticides, antibiotics and hormones) in organic and conventionally produced milk samples sold in the USA

27/06/2019

Production-related contaminants (pesticides, antibiotics and hormones) in organic and conventionally produced milk samples sold in the USA

Samples of non-organic retail milk tested positive for residues of antibiotics – two of which are illegal in the United States and banned from dairy production -- and commonly-used controversial pesticides. Organic milk showed no such contaminants. Residues of growth hormones in conventional milk were up to 20 times higher than in organic.

Consumption of cow’s milk, which is associated with diet and health benefits, has decreased in the USA. The simultaneous increase in demand for more costly organic milk suggests consumer concern about exposure to production-related contaminants may be contributing to this decline. We sought to determine if contaminant levels differ by the production method used.