Use Common ‘Cents’

Editor:
Here is one more letter from the “grassroots.” I have been following this milk issue with interest for the last few months. After reading the Terry Etherton and John Fetrow op-ed letter (April 5), I felt I needed to respond.

The following is a quote from that letter. “Recently, over 200 different samples of ... conventional milk, ‘rbST-free’ milk, and organic milk were were tested by audited procedures. Within milk fat categories (skim, 1%, 2%, etc.) all samples had the same nutrient content ...”

If all samples tested the same, there are a couple of problems.

First of all, it isn’t an accurate test without necessary testing procedures. We were not told what type of testing was done.

The other problem is that the pasteurization, bottling, etc. have destroyed beneficial properties.

In an issue of Lancaster Farming from January or February, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff is quoted as saying, “There is no way to test for added hormones (bST).”

How, then, can bST be “tested safe”? I agree with Mr. Celima’s letter, “FDA Not to Be Trusted,” below the Etherton letter.

Remember — DDT was “safe” until it became illegal and bST is “safe” until ...

What is it to Etherton and Fetrow if I pay more than market price for dairy products that I know are safe? I cannot trust them to tell me, yet I am told that I am misinformed (and many other choice adjectives). Who but the experts are misinforming me?

So far in this controversy the common people, the “grassroots,” have “won by a mile.” Let us revert back to common cents, not advance to corporate dollars.
— Henry Vanzee
Stevens, Pa.