USE OF RECOMBINANT BOVINE SOMATOTROPIN (Rbst) IN THE 21st CENTURY: SOME CONSIDERATIONS

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) to improve milk yield, and its effects on human and animal health, still gives rise to much controversy. In the United States it is allowed, but the European Union decided in 1993 to ban its use. With regard to the current conflict of interpretation concerning complexities and controversies on the rbST use, the present review provides a long range contribution on the legislative aspects that led to the exclusion and prohibition of rbST in the European Union in the last decade. The paper analyses also the main literature on ethical issues related to the use of rbST; some regulatory problems regarding the ethical matter are also underlined. Some concerns about humans and animals safety are also reported. In conclusion, in view of a scientific uncertainty on this matter, the so called “precautionary principle” is considered relevant as regard the different issues relating to rbST. This review represents a further contribution to the scientific knowledge on some aspects concerning the rbST, having an impact to the technical and social issues related to the topic.