While all milk naturally contains hormones, Walmart's Great Value brand milk is sourced from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones like rBST. This commitment applies specifically to their private label milk.
Understanding Hormones in Milk
It's crucial to distinguish between naturally occurring hormones and artificial growth hormones when discussing milk.
Natural Hormones in Milk
All milk, whether from cows, humans, or other mammals, naturally contains a variety of hormones. These are intrinsic to the biological process of milk production and are present in very small, trace amounts. These include naturally occurring steroid hormones and peptides necessary for the cow's bodily functions and milk synthesis.
Artificial Growth Hormones (rBST/rBGH)
Artificial growth hormones, specifically recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) or recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), are synthetic versions of a naturally occurring bovine hormone. They were developed to increase milk production in dairy cows. The use of rBST in dairy cows has been a subject of public discussion, and consumer preference for alternatives has grown.
Walmart's Commitment to Hormone-Free Milk (Artificial)
Walmart has taken specific steps regarding its private label dairy products to address consumer concerns about artificial hormones.
- Great Value Milk: Suppliers of Walmart's Great Value brand milk have pledged to exclusively source their milk from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones. This policy ensures that consumers purchasing Great Value milk can be confident it comes from cows free from these synthetic treatments.
- Dairy Standards: Walmart's entire dairy selection, which includes both organic and conventional offerings, adheres to the stringent standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This commitment highlights Walmart's efforts to provide products that align with evolving consumer preferences for dairy without added artificial growth hormones.
Key Differences in Milk Hormones
To clarify the types of hormones often discussed in relation to milk, refer to the table below:
| Type of Hormone | Description | Presence in Milk | Walmart's Great Value Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Hormones | Hormones naturally produced by the cow's body (e.g., progesterone, estrogen, prolactin). | Yes (all milk contains natural hormones). | Present, as with all milk. |
| Artificial Growth Hormones (rBST/rBGH) | Synthetic hormones used to increase milk production. | Varies by farm/brand. | Not used in cows supplying Walmart's Great Value milk. |
