The company said it has identified reliable local sources and backup supply for rBST-free ingredients, as well as ensuring certification from all suppliers. The move was in response to consumer preference.
Jeff Lambeseder, regional product manager/cultures, said as transparency becomes the norm, dairy producers can have confidence in DuPont’s sourcing for all ingredients used to make cultures.
“Requests for rBST-free have increased, so we set our sights on all of the necessary certified dairy sources and were able to accomplish this next milestone in our cultures offerings,” Lambeseder said.
Already available in Europe
The desire for rBST-free dairy products is part of a broader trend toward clean label food and less artificial ingredients. While rBST-free had been widely available in Europe, the company has now made this possible for North America.
“Making sure all the proper documentation and certification was in place has taken a while, but we can now give our customers the assurance they desire,” Lambeseder said.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled there is no significant difference between milk from cows treated with rBST and milk that is not, the decision to remove rBST was made in response to global consumer preference. DuPont Nutrition and Health said the change complements other DuPont Nutrition & Health offerings for the dairy industry.