The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is bankrolling a class-action lawsuit against the dairy industry demanding that milk carry labels warning consumers of the possible effects of lactose intolerance.
PCRM found 10 plaintiffs, including PCRM advisory board member Milton Mills, to join the suit claiming that they suffered various problems — including cramps and diarrhea — after consuming milk. The plaintiffs are all from the predominantly black city of Washington, D.C. (blacks are more likely to suffer from lactose intolerance as compared to whites).
Mills told the Associated Press,
Lactose intolerance is very prevalence in persons of color. As a physician I see people who are dealing with conditions related to their inability to digest lactose. They’re led to believe they need to include dairy for health benefits. That is not true.
Susan Ruland, vice president for communications at the International Dairy Foods Association, told the Associated Press,
It’s [the lawsuit] just another attempt on the part of an animal rights group to attack dairy and milk products. They’re trying a new strategy of suing people right and left. It’s unfortunate to see that when it has to do with an issue of nutrition.
PCRM’s lawsuit asks for up to $100,000 in damages to the 10 plaintiffs.
Source:
Lawsuit Seeks Warning Labels on Milk. Frederic Frommer, Associated Press, October 6, 2005.
Lawsuit targets dairy industry. Marguerite Higgins, The Washington times, October 6, 2005.