What’s in your milk? Choose organic for the cleanest milk, says new study

BY The Organic Center | Jun 28, 2019

What’s in your milk? Choose organic for the cleanest milk, says new study

Non-organic milk tests positive for illegal antibiotics, high levels of growth hormones and controversial pesticide contaminants

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2019) -- Milk is an important part of the human diet. It provides protein, fat, calcium and vitamin D, and for the youngest members of our population, it is especially critical as a main source of many nutrients. But not all milk is created equal.

For nearly 15 years, studies have repeatedly shown that organic milk has a healthier nutritional profile. Organic milk contains more of the good omega 3 fatty acids, more antioxidants and a higher nutrient mineral content than conventional milk. Dairy cows under organic management eat more grass than those under conventional management and that difference in their diet results in more nutrient-rich milk.

Now a study conducted by researchers at Emory University, in collaboration with The Organic Center, found that a majority of samples of conventional retail milk tested positive for residues of antibiotics – two of which are banned from dairy production -- and currently used controversial pesticides. Organic milk showed no such contaminants. Residues of growth hormones in conventional milk were 20 times higher than in organic. The results of this important study were published online on June 26 by the peer-reviewed public health journal Public Health Nutrition.

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