What's Wrong With the Dietitians of Canada

The Dietitians of Canada's National Nutrition Month Campaign 2010 states that "dietitians are your trusted source of nutrition and healthy eating advice." - Not so fast! 

A Case Study

Seems that a person using the name Heidi Boyd and claiming to be a registered dietitian has been posting "advice/information" on Canadian Parents.com   which is blatantly wrong.  Whether this is from a misinformed person, or from a person with separate corporate agenda is unclear.  None the less, Heidi in responding to the a question about the differences between "organic" milk and "conventional" milk, states;

"hormones and antibiotics are not found in any type of milk available for sale in Canada. They are illegal for farmers to use and the system for milk inspection is very strict and thorough."

Hormones and antibiotics ARE in "conventional" milk.  It is well known in the industry there are in fact residual levels of antibiotics and hormones in milk, despite Natrel's claims, (and that of Heidi) to the contrary.  Growth hormones are not legally used in Canada, BUT many other hormones are regularly used such as Oxytocin (for milk release), Lutilyse (estrus inducing, abortion, calving inducing) etc.  While the levels of antibiotics and hormones in milk may well be within the acceptable legal standards as defined by Health Canada (Minimum residual Levels, MRLs), it is NOT accurate or acceptable to say that there are no antibiotics or hormones present.  It must be pointed out that these residual levels are present, with perhaps even some test result numbers to make it absolutely clear to consumers. Further, the statement that "They [hormones and antibiotics] are illegal for farmers to use" is, pardon the pun, UDDERLY REDICULOUS!

Heidi goes on to say;

"Cows producing milk for this [organic] market can not be given antibiotics at all."

Again, Wrongo! - In Canada, under the Organic Production Systems standards it is allowable to give antibiotics to dairy cattle twice/year with the only requirement being that milk from the treated animal not be sold as organic for "a minimum of 30 days or twice the medications withdrawal time, whichever is longer."

And, Heidi I must tell you that the apparent source of your information (the Natrel FAQ post linked to above) is IMO very misleading, and makes statements which based on my farming background, and knowledge of the dairy industry I find unbelievable.  Is this, in fact, the source that the cheese folk are using when they are advertising that their cheese is made from 100% Canadian milk which contains no antibiotics and no hormones.  - A pretty cheesy story, I would say!   How can this be? and where is our advertising oversight in Canada?  I have asked "my voice in Ottawa" to address this issue - so far, no response!

Come on! Dietitians of Canada, you can and must do better!  Do the Research - Ask the Questions .....cowboss/09