The following is being issued by the National Dairy Council and the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board:
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) recent campaign is the latest example of its strategy to say anything, no matter how baseless and outrageous, to advance its animal rights agenda in the media.
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Other than the widely accepted viewpoint that mothers should breast-feed for the good health of babies under one year of age, PETA’s statements this week regarding milk and child health are not supported by any reputable health or science organization. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a leading organization on children’s health, encourages pediatricians to recommend milk, yogurt and other calcium-rich foods for children over one year of age. The dairy industry concurs with AAP that breast milk or iron-enhanced infant formula is the recommended diet for children under one year of age.
The recent review of the U.S. dietary guidelines by leading national experts in nutrition continued to support the role of dairy foods in healthful diets for Americans. The AAP, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the American Dietetic Association, the National Osteoporosis Foundation and dozens of other reputable health and nutrition groups further support milk’s critical role in providing calcium, protein and other essential nutrients to American children.
Among its current claims, PETA attempts to link milk and juvenile diabetes, a view once again unsupported by sound science and driven by an animal rights agenda. A review of the current research reveals that any results linking milk and juvenile diabetes are suggestive at best. PETA’s other claims regarding milk and ear infections and colic are equally empty and not based on sound science.
PETA’s statements involving dairy farming are equally baseless and sensational.
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By GlobalDataConsumers are advised to get their medical and nutrition information from trained health professionals and reputable organizations, not from animal rights activists.
Dairy’s role in preventing osteoporosis, in strengthening bones and providing calcium, vitamin D and seven other essential nutrients has long been established and lauded by the nutrition and science community. In addition to building bones, the beneficial calcium and other components in milk may help to prevent hypertension, and breast and colon cancer.
CONTACT: Sue Markgraf of the NDC, 847-803-2000, ext. 229, pager, 888-902-4028; or Susan Ruland of MilkPEP, 202-220-3549.
