'Junk Science,’ Milk Processors Call PCRM Action

July 28, 2000

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) reportedly will file a petition with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting an investigation into the health claims in the "milk mustache" ads sponsored by the nation’s milk processors. PCRM filed a similar complaint with FTC in April 1999, which resulted in no action. The group also last December filed a suit against USDA over the U.S. Dietary Guidelines; but that suit also has resulted in no action.

Officials of the milk mustache campaign called the PCRM effort a "stunt using junk science and misinformation to discredit the dairy industry." Kurt Graetzer, executive director of the milk mustache campaign, said, "With this latest antic, PCRM reveals itself once again to be the cousin of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). PCRM has tried four or five of these publicity stunts in the past year -- this is nothing new - and it's just as ridiculous as ever."

Graetzer claims PCRM is an anti-dairy, anti-meat animal rights group whose views have been denounced by the American Medical Association (AMA), the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), the National Council for Reliable Health Information, and other reliable health and nutrition organizations.

"We have no doubt that the FTC will categorically reject these ridiculous claims against this campaign," said Graetzer. "The real tragedy is the grave disservice this group is doing to the health of Americans; most don't get the calcium they need every day, and milk has been acclaimed by dozens of credible health organizations as an important source of this vital nutrient. Trying to scare people away from drinking milk is completely irresponsible."

The "got milk?" milk mustache ads have been "hailed by reputable nutrition organizations as providing valuable information to all Americans about the serious calcium crisis in this country," campaign officials say. Nearly 75% of Americans do not get adequate calcium in their diets.

PCRM has based many of its complaints on minority populations and lactose intolerance. Greg Miller, Ph.D., F.A.C.N., vice president of nutrition research, National Dairy Council (NDC) says, "While most minority groups, have little or none of the enzyme needed to break down the milk sugar lactose, the vast majority have no trouble digesting the amount of lactose in a glass of milk. Those who do have digestive discomfort would often do better for their overall health to try lactose-free dairy products and foods such as hard cheese and yogurt, which are very well tolerated, so they can easily get the calcium and other nutrients they need in their diets."

Miller continued, "PCRM's latest stunt is particularly weak, since the Hispanic population in this country drinks more milk per capita than any other ethnic group in America." According to the USDA, Hispanics consume about 18.5 gallons of milk per capita a year vs. an average of 17 gallons per capita for the total population.

Miller also cited a study from the National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment (NORA) program, which found that minority women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than previously believed. Of the 1,628 Hispanic women who were tested, more than half (55%) had low bone density.