What Is the Difference Between Canadian and American Milk?

People are usually very conscious of what they consume these days. In this world of reports, researches, and investigative studies, it is a common trend for consumers to analyze critically what is the difference between the same products from different suppliers or producers. There is nowhere else in the world where the scrutiny is as intense as in North America, one of the largest consumers of consumables in the world. Products and goods flow between the borders of Canada and America, leading to an experience of merchandise from both countries. Thus comes the birth of this article: what exactly is the difference in brands of milk between the two powerhouse countries?

Milk is one essential ingredient in the lives of a typical household used in almost every meal in both countries. In addition, milk can be processed to form a number of other products such as ghee, butter, cream, and cheese. The above statement only makes the case stronger for you to read this article, especially if you are a resident of either country or are planning to visit them soon.

The presence of rBST

Present within the pituitary glands of a cow is a peptide hormone known as bovine growth hormone or bovine somatotrophin (BST). It is the key hormone that allows hormones to produce milk. As a result of studies and research, a biotech company was able to artificially recreate a version of the hormone, recombinant bovine somatotrophin (rBST). rBST is used as a supplement by farmers to increase the production of milk by their cows.

In America, the US Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency mandated with the protection of public health has approved the use of the artificial hormone on dairy farms.

Canada on the other hand is adamant about allowing the use of rBST on their cows. This comes against the FDA’s strong statement that the use and consumption of meat and milk from RBST-cows is safe. And while some Canadian agencies agree on that, they argue that the artificial hormone has some lasting effect when it comes to the welfare of the cows.

 Management System

In Canada, the supply of milk is controlled by a system known as supply management. The system focuses on the use of local production to meet the demand of the nation’s need for milk and related products. This cuts down on the importation of dairy products as farms are aware of how much milk must come from their farms on a periodic basis. This naturally promotes the local market and guarantees that milk doesn’t have to move long distances before it is used or consumed.

America on the other hand relies more on the powers of market demand and supply. Due to cheaper prices and other factors of production in play, a bigger percentage of the milk and milk-related supply in American markets comes from external markets.