ISLAMABAD – Recently, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) decided to direct health departments across the country to recall the synthetic recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) injection used for increasing the production of milk in cattle. It also delisted three hormone injections.
The decision was taken after the Supreme Court of Pakistan vacated a stay granted against the ban of the hormone injection by the Sindh High Court.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Health Services, the apex court vacated the stay against the cancellation of the registration of the rBST injection by Drap.
The injection was registered in Pakistan in 1998 on the basis of its registration in the United States and other countries. The injection is mainly used for increasing the production of milk from cows.
Recent studies have shown that the hormone — recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) — has serious health risks for animals who are administered the hormonal injection and humans who consumed their milk.
According to sources, the hormone is banned in the EU, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia and even India though it is still in use in the US where hormone-treated products are labelled and priced lower than organic products.
In Pakistan, the sources added, the hormone had been in use for the past many years.
