As far as the ethics of Monsanto, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re as guilty as many large companies of putting profit before safety. But that has nothing to do with the actual safety of the products we’re talking about. The BGH scare is BS. The product has been extensively investigated by public health organizations in the U.S. and abroad and the scare-mongering about it is not driven by any reliable science.
The warning label on Monsanto’s Posilac explicitly states, “Cows injected with Posilac are at increased risk for clinical mastitis.”[6]
http://www.awionline.org/pubs/Quarterly/Summer2000/rBGH.htm
The EU Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW) was asked to report on the incidence of mastitis and other disorders in dairy cows and on other aspects of the welfare of dairy cows.[7]
http://www.monsantodairy.com/about/human_safety/ifst_rbst1.html
The Committee stated
“bST (Bovine somatotropin) use substantially increases foot problems, mastitis and injection site reactions in dairy cows. These conditions are painful and debilitating, leading to significantly poorer welfare of the animals. bST also causes reproductive disorders. Therefore, from the point of view of animal welfare and health, this substance should not be used.”
Health Canada, like the SCAHAW, banned rBST because of its effects on cows [8].
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/1999/1999_03_e.html
Health Canada cited this reason for its ban.
“The veterinary experts cited an increased risk of mastitis of up to 25%, of infertility by 18%, and of lameness by up to 50%. These increased risks and overall reduced body condition lead to a 20-25% increased risk of culling from the herd.”
The ban in Europe is related to the cultural anxieties about “un-natural” products, and it is irrational. So while you may be right that not only public health issues are relevant, you then proceed to cite two public health concerns, the first of which I view as mistaken. (I don’t have any information or position on the second)
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/food/dairy/bovine-growth-hormone/no-rbgh
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/vet/issues-enjeux/rbst-stbr/rep_rcpsc-rap_crmcc_e.html
In summary, with one exception, the panel finds no biologically plausible reason for concern about human safety if rbST were to be approved for sale in Canada. The panel recommends, on the basis of present knowledge, that the study in question be repeated.