Meijer Offers Growth Hormone-Free Milk
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer Inc. here said it has begun offering its own-brand milk from cows that have not been treated with the synthetic growth hormone, rBST, an artificial growth hormone.
"Our customers have asked for a different choice in their milk, as many prefer it from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones," said Ralph Fischer, Meijer's group v.p./grocery. "We've researched the topic and have listened to our customers. If it?s important to them, it's important to us."
The Michigan-based supercenter chain is one of the first major grocers in the region to offer its shoppers a branded line of milk produced without the use of the artificial growth hormone. The decision will affect all whole, 2 percent, 1 percent, 0.5 percent and fat-free Meijer brand milk in gallon and half-gallon sizes. Meijer brand chocolate milk and all quart- and pint- size containers will follow suit later this year.
Meijer said the move, which should also have little if any effect on prices, will not affect the taste or nutritional value of its popular brand of milk.
"Consumers want the same wholesome and delicious taste of our Meijer brand milk without the concerns of cows being treated with this artificial growth hormone. This move is not a reaction to any health concerns it's a decision to give our customers what they want," Fischer added.
Meijer customers will notice all new packaging for the Meijer brand of milk, along with a written pledge that no artificial growth hormones were administered to cows supplying the milk. Dairy processing plants that supply Meijer milk will have signed affidavits from dairy farmers stating that they do not use rBST in their herds.
Meijer operates 181supercenters throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky.
"Our customers have asked for a different choice in their milk, as many prefer it from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones," said Ralph Fischer, Meijer's group v.p./grocery. "We've researched the topic and have listened to our customers. If it?s important to them, it's important to us."
The Michigan-based supercenter chain is one of the first major grocers in the region to offer its shoppers a branded line of milk produced without the use of the artificial growth hormone. The decision will affect all whole, 2 percent, 1 percent, 0.5 percent and fat-free Meijer brand milk in gallon and half-gallon sizes. Meijer brand chocolate milk and all quart- and pint- size containers will follow suit later this year.
Meijer said the move, which should also have little if any effect on prices, will not affect the taste or nutritional value of its popular brand of milk.
"Consumers want the same wholesome and delicious taste of our Meijer brand milk without the concerns of cows being treated with this artificial growth hormone. This move is not a reaction to any health concerns it's a decision to give our customers what they want," Fischer added.
Meijer customers will notice all new packaging for the Meijer brand of milk, along with a written pledge that no artificial growth hormones were administered to cows supplying the milk. Dairy processing plants that supply Meijer milk will have signed affidavits from dairy farmers stating that they do not use rBST in their herds.
Meijer operates 181supercenters throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky.