This is a very interesting idea, but I have to wonder where is this restaurant getting the breastmilk? Not to be negative but I'm sure that it would be difficult to get enough breastmilk to produce all of ben and jerry's product.
This seems foolish. We have enough critics as vegans and animal rights activists without suggesting human breastmilk ice cream.

Posted by: Crystal | September 23, 2008 11:45 AM

SUCH A CUTE AD! MAYBE BEN AND JERRY'S CAN USE SOY IN THERE ICE CREAM.

Posted by: SASHA | September 23, 2008 12:54 PM

FINALLY! I've been saying that for years: "If you're gonna keep on drinking milk, it should be nothing else than human breast milk. If you think that's wrong, that's because you shouldn't carry on drinking milk to begin with, once you weaned off the breast as a baby".

"Despite the fact that human breast milk is originally only intended to feed babies until they grow teeth and can get all their nutrients off fruits, veggies and grains and, despite the fact that every kid will eventually naturally ween off the breast milk anyways... if grown-ups want to carry on drinking the white stuff past their time, unless it's soy, rice, hemp... derived, then they should only be drinking breast milk and therefore grocery stores should carry breast milk and smart nutritionists should actively promote it!!! Cow milk is intended for calves who will grow to be 500lbs within their 1st year."

For some reason, when I tell people the above, they always give me a grossed out look, they seem to think that drinking some woman's breast milk is disgusting, like it's dirtier or something... yeah rrrrright!!!! Animal milk is, by no means, any "cleaner" (i.e. puss, hormones, antibiotics and time will tell whatever else is in there!)

***DEMO IDEA***
Now how about setting up demos promoting "breast milk" drinking around the country - I'm thinking booths where voluptuously well endowed vegan women wearing tiny tight tees (tease!!!), willingly showing a little "wet and hardened" milking nipple action (underneath and through the clothing), giving the male passers by a shot of their "freshly squeezed" concoction!!! An optional alternative would be to serve "it" with "freshly brewed and squeezed cafe au lait"!!! Or, how about having a few "grown-ups" sucking on fake milking breasts in public, inviting passers by to join for a little "pacifying" sucking session. Of course, readily available "milking" woman would be standing by!!! hahaha I suppose there ain't no law keeping over-aged people from public breast feeding, is there? hahaha The municipalities and media would go nuts, not to mention the men!!!

WAAAAAAAAY TO GO BILL AND PeTA!!!
Awesome work!!!

Nathalie, Ottawa, Canada!!!

Posted by: Nathalie | September 23, 2008 03:29 PM

lovvvve chocolate so I asked around and found this yummy dairy free chocolate and there is such variety and it's fabulously tasty!

Posted by: kayla | September 23, 2008 03:41 PM

You have got to be kidding! Take away human breast milk (which is not as easy to produce for some) from human babies to save cows???

Posted by: Michelle | September 23, 2008 05:16 PM

This is great!

Posted by: Dawn | September 23, 2008 07:27 PM

This is ridiculous. 1. Do you have any idea how expensive breast milk is? 2. Why would you use breast milk on ICE CREAM when there are many American babies needing that nutrition? Mothers who cannot breastfeed need another source of nutrition for their infants, infants without mothers/adopted/wards of the state need breast milk much more than we need "vegan ice cream." Come on. If you know anything about medicine and infant care, you'd know that the physician above is referencing formula made with cows milk, as well as milk we drink daily, which yes, is not the first choice for infants. It does have side effects, and yes, is higher in protein vs. human milk because calves need to grow faster. But right now it's a better alternative than not feeding the infant for mothers who choose not to or cannot breastfeed. You guys are ridiculous. Get your facts straight and think of benefiting the rest of human kind first. Wow.

p.s. If cows have to be "forcefully impregnated every 9 months" how do you think we're going to get milk from humans?

Posted by: Kristen | September 23, 2008 08:43 PM

Good idea:
Pioneer improvement of conditions of cows in dairy farms, as well as for farm hens.

Bad idea:
Breast milk ice cream.

A) The cost of breast milk would bring the cost of a pint to, by my estimate, 50 bucks at the cheapest. I know, as a lactating mom, what breast milk is worth. It takes 15 minutes to get 8 ounces, and you can sell that for 20 bucks.

B) Most people think breast milk is gross. I don't, but I'm not gonna buy 50 dollar ice cream either.

C) This would require a shift from the abuse of cows for their milk to the abuse of human women. This has "human rights violation" written all over it. Spoiled westerners are not going to enslave themselves into a life of depleted nutrition to make ice cream, and if anyone anywhere will, the milk should go to the children of moms who can't lactate. Women in developing nations would, as they always have, take up the reins on the most tedious, painful, unhealthy jobs just to scrape by. Anyway, breast milk that nature intended for babies with still-developing brains should not go to rich Westerners who want fancy ice cream. How amoral would that be? On sooo many levels...

D) Breast milk is not gross, but after about age 3, drinking it is, even to me, just plain creepy. Not a good selling point for mass-marketing purposes.

Come on, animal rights activists! Let's fight the fight worth fighting. I actually think we'd have better luck convincing everyone the world over to become vegan. I want PeTA to be taken seriously, but I'm afraid it may not happen if we don't stick to arguments that have some angle of persuasion.

Posted by: M. Allstrom | September 23, 2008 08:58 PM

Ya know, PETA. I no longer buy Hormel products or KFC because of your investigative nature. I love that. This, however, is ridiculous. Humans don't produce nearly the amount of milk that a cow does. How cost effective do you think this will be? Are we going to be paying $15 a pint for Ben and Jerry's? Where do you think you're going to find enough "wet nurses" to support this idea?
And not to mention the "eeewww" factor involved.
By the way.... Why is Bill Maher (who I normally adore) even advocating for breast feeding? He has no children! He doesn't even like them! Couldn't you have found a better spokesperson for that particular subject?

Posted by: Monica Munro | September 23, 2008 09:09 PM

"what's even stranger is that humans are the only species on the planet that drinks the milk of another species."

Not true, I give my cat cow milk all the time.

Posted by: Ben | September 23, 2008 09:12 PM

Like Crystal said, despite the benefits, where on earth would enough breast milk be found to operate even one ice cream company? What women would work to produce that milk? Could they even be paid enough to make it a realistic option? And even if there were a working force of women willing to pump themselves fairly constantly for a job, their production would still be far below what could be feasibly useful for any company to operate. This is a cute awareness promotion, but it's really nothing more than that. But it DID make CNN, and I guess that's what counts...

Posted by: Bruce | September 23, 2008 09:13 PM

That is the most repulsive thing I have ever heard of. I would suggest that PETA approaches it from a different angle, and moves towards something like gelato. Why human breast milk, and is that even feasible? Taking a good idea too far will only make it a "wackos" idea

Posted by: Michael James | September 23, 2008 10:45 PM

Okay Peta is going too far. Breast milk for babies okay but for grown-ups?? nope. And that restaurant in Switzerland has been banned... I think that's more unethical than using cows for milk. Imagine all the throves of mothers wanting to cash in on that, selling their breast milk and leaving their own kids neglected.

Posted by: Genevieve M | September 23, 2008 10:53 PM

surely there must be a more rational solution to making ice-cream animal friendly than by making it human unfriendly. whoever came up with this idea most certainly never breastfed or they would know how difficult it is to sustain a baby for the recommended year. any additional milk that i had was donated to children in africa as well as to babies in the nicu. i certainly did not have enough to produce gallons of ice cream for adults and children. this notion of making ice cream from breastmilk is insulting and ignorant. breastmilk is not a "treat". it is sustenance for growing babies. perhaps your point was to make humans realize what cows go through but if it was serious, it appears peta has put animals before humans. . . again.

Posted by: kristen | September 23, 2008 11:11 PM

Your push to have breast milk (human) replace cow's milk intrigued me enough to write. I was searching to read about where you find your ultimate philosophical inspiration or authority. Of course I know you believe using a cow for milk is wrong, but is there an absolute that inspires you to believe (know?) that it is wrong? I'm not debating the health issue of whether adults should drink cow's milk or goats milk. How can we KNOW that we are right when it comes to "rules" we will impose on the rest of society? One would like an absolute authority, so that someone else can't come along and say that plants have souls and feelings and should never be harmed. How would you have the philosophical or intellectual authority to tell them they were crazy?

Posted by: Scott Leonard | September 23, 2008 11:14 PM

I think that would be way too expensive on the part of Ben & Jerry's.
They'd first have to pay the women, who would probably not be cheap, even if they were willing to do it.
Plus, even if they did get through with that, it would cost even MORE money to test the women/milk for diseases that could be transmitted, because theres no way they could sell it if it wasn't tested.

A pint of ice cream would be like 50 dollars.

Posted by: Nicole | September 23, 2008 11:29 PM

Are you people INSANE? Ok..it is wrong to milk a cow but it is ok to milk a woman? Have any of you ever breast fed or used a breast pump before? Well I have, and I did it for the sake of my children but what is the plan here? Line a bunch of women up and hook them up on pumps? How exactly is this less humane than it is for cows?

I am all about regulating the treatment of animals. I think that if you dont want to eat meat then don't, but to even suggest putting women up to be "milked" is degrading. Yes the breast is best for babies and when done for your child it is a beautiful thing, but sexualizing it like Nathalie up there suggested to try to make it popular or to stick any form of a milking device on a woman to milk her to make some icecream is disgusting. There are plenty of alternatives out there if you dont want to drink dairy from a cow. Lets use some common sense, I can pretty much guarentee that the majority of the world wouldnt be buying any icecream with human breast milk in it. I certainly wouldnt.

Posted by: Christina | September 23, 2008 11:32 PM

That's perhaps the dumbest idea I have ever heard. Human breast milk is not significantly less harmful to the body than a cow's milk, and would be nigh impossible to mass produce. We would have to have a huge wet nurse industry with thousands, perhaps millions, of women giving milk to supply a company as large as Ben & Jerry's. This would be followed by an extensive preservation facility, as a human's milk spoils faster than a cow's milk.

Next time, suggest something a little more logical, like a soy alternative for vegetarians.

Posted by: sentient | September 23, 2008 11:50 PM

This is nothing but false humanitarianism! Wake up and smell the roses people - who do you think is going to end up donating the human breast milk???? It won't be Mrs Sally Housemaker living in the rich suburbs, it will be the poor and disadvantaged. Let's not even talk about the disease risks and just the good old YUCK factor. Truly laughable.

Posted by: logical human being | September 23, 2008 11:56 PM

You do realize there isn't enough breastmilk in the world for the babies who need it, let alone for producing any amount of ice cream.

Posted by: peteetchou | September 24, 2008 12:43 AM

No one brought up the fact HIV can be passed throe breast milk so that could be a hold on it. Also as a mother of two it is not right to except a women who is supposed to nurse one or two babies to supply a huge company.. It would end up being innocent women trying to make a buck who get used & abused. Which would make Peta no better then the dairy farms they fight to stop.. If you think about. Not try to be a downer but we do have soy milk & rice milk

Posted by: Crystal | September 24, 2008 12:56 AM

I guess you forgot about the part the chef is using it for a deer meat meal. Or that thought he offered 14.50 a liter he got only one or two replies. Or that swiss health board ordered him not to use anything he got since it was the sources were not required to clear any type of medical screening and were mot on approved swiss health registry lists. I suppose only telling part of a story makes it true and a better alternative. By the way Dr. spock in his article did states that if a woman is not able to breast feed the milk products should be used and not to force the infant to face starvation if the mother cannot produce. You fail to realize that the titilating idea if it actually happened would sound a death nell to female rights as they would be the ones getting the hormone shots and kept in a constant state of reproduction. but the animals will be safe...not

Posted by: lee | September 24, 2008 12:56 AM

Are you people insane? Are you trying to hurt the animal rights movement by making us all look crazy? Setting aside that Ben & Jerry's would go out of business because no one would buy the ice cream, just where do you think they would get enough breast milk to make all of their ice cream? Do you think before you act?

Posted by: Erich | September 24, 2008 02:21 AM

hey peta,

i am with you on most issues.
but, this precious human milk needs to be used for our tiny human babies that are sick and in the neonatal intensive care unit. until we have enough milk for them, i don't think we should be using it for adults.
lets stick with soy, nut, hemp milk for now....

Posted by: Colleen | September 24, 2008 06:08 AM

Where is the milk going to come from? Where are all these pregnant women with extra gallons of milk. I respect you guys but now your scaring me. I can just see third world immigrants getting pregnant just to sell there milk.

Posted by: Robert | September 24, 2008 06:19 AM

What about diseases, such as HIV that can be present in breast milk? Or alcoholic content which can stay in the body for several hours? I have to wonder about the levels of testing that this restaurant in Switzerland is performing on the breast milk they are serving. Perhaps PETA should have done a little more research about the practicality of sugh a ploy before suggesting it to the public. Some small comapny might actually seize on their idea without fully understanding the risks involved. Or perhaps this was always considered to be an unrealistic suggestion and was merely a media ploy.

Posted by: Martha manuel | September 24, 2008 07:09 AM

UGH. The day Ben & Jerry's decides to do something this stupid is the day I stop buying it. Sasha, you must think that women are nothing more than milk and baby factories--way to go, sister. I could see soy milk, but BREAST MILK?

Posted by: Bathory | September 24, 2008 08:00 AM

Ice cream using breast milk wouldn't be vegan though...human milk would still technically be animal-based. Or am I missing something?

Posted by: Anna | September 24, 2008 08:43 AM

To Whom It May Concern:

This is in response to an earlier letter from your vice president entreating Ben and Jerry’s to use human milk instead of cow’s milk. I offer a few thoughts and suggestions:

First, it is sad to see spokespeople for causes sound uninformed about their very causes or out of touch with the mainstream. Whether it is the environment, economy or animal welfare time and again we hear superficial statements said for their own sake. For starters, mammals do not lactate just during pregnancy and afterwards. The correct thing to say is that they produce milk after giving birth until their offspring is weaned. What this means is that any mammal will continue producing milk as long as it nurses, not because pregnancies are forced on it. This is true for any mammal and is easily verifiable for those who take the time to look it up. Even humans will continue lactating until they decide to stop breastfeeding, without having to get pregnant again.

Second, PETA has long used the argument that we shouldn’t consume animal products because they were intended for the animal. Be careful with this one! Throughout our history and especially today, you find that people have eaten that which is nutritious for the sole reason that it is nutritious. If we use this “natural use” argument, then technically human breast milk and fruit (including fruits we eat as vegetables) are the only things we can eat. Vegetables are portions of plants that happen to be edible and nutritious, but “intended” for the plant’s own use, not for external consumption. Think about this; carrot roots are actually an energy store for the plant, celery stalks store nutrients for celery plants, potatoes store starch for the plant, etc. In nature, only fruit is actually grown for the specific purpose that others will eat it (fruit is meant for seed dispersal). Stop using this logic because it does not make sense, or change your diet substantially.

Third, while I agree that cruelty to cattle is terrible and must be stopped, I think it is irresponsible to quote just one person (Dr. Spock) about health risks to children in order to generate support. While a pediatrician, he focused more on child psychology. In any case requests are taken more seriously if there is more substantial information to support it, such as a study showing hormonal treatments to be unhealthy (which is why I support organic, humane farming). Saying dairy products have been linked to various diseases is just hot air without support, especially considering that just about everything edible has been “linked” to some form of disease or at a minimum an increased risk of developing something else, etc. Make this a stronger argument.

In summary, your group pursues some very noble goals and makes a difference, but letters like this erase some of your progress. Requests like this are destined not to be taken seriously (in other words, by more than 2 million or 1/150th of our population) until you forgo claims with no support, iron out the details of said claims and basically fight fire with fire, logic with logic, and common sense with common sense. I wish you luck and will continue to support your more sensible endeavors.

Sincerely,
Chris Clark

P.S. Did you know that like cattle, humans pass the metabolite of whatever drug/substance/flavor compound into their milk? That’s why hormones in cows are bad. Now imagine the varied products that humans use legally (painkillers, cough syrup, alcohol, even caffeine) and remember that like our tap water, traces of the by products get released. Even with screening, think of how hard it would be to enforce zero consumption 100%, and also think how long it would take for another study to show up linking one of the metabolites to yet another form of cancer. This idea is likely to be less safe than using cow’s milk, because at least that’s a predictable product (although I agree it must be obtained ethically and humanely). Knowledge will set us all free.

Posted by: Chris | September 24, 2008 08:59 AM

And just what in the hell is wrong with cow's milk??!!?!

Cows are not slaughtered to get the milk and they can always make more.

Posted by: axxis | September 24, 2008 09:04 AM

what about diseases? AIDS any kind of STD you're worried about Diabetes. What about the diseases that are far worse? also your article says cows need to be impregnated every 9 months to keep the milk coming how's that different than people?

Posted by: william k | September 24, 2008 09:16 AM

I scream,
You scream,
We all scream for Mom's Cream (tm)!

Posted by: Bo | September 24, 2008 09:18 AM

I think some people are taking this a little too serious. PETA is trying to make a point.

Why drink milk or eat products with milk that is meant for another species. If you're going to consume milk-related products, it might as well be from our own species. It's definitely healthier.

That's the point.

I would suggest sending an e-mail to them asking them to add vegan ice cream to their list of products on their “Suggest an Idea” page -http://www.benjerry.com/our_company/contact_us/forms/suggestion.cfm.

I did a while ago with no response. However, now they may take it a little more seriously in comparison to the breast milk idea.

Posted by: Eric | September 24, 2008 10:02 AM

...this idea is ridiculous...

Posted by: Pedro Rosello | September 24, 2008 10:19 AM

This is a very bad suggestion. As Kristen (above) pointed out, human milk is desperately needed by babies, and is too valuable a resource to be used frivolously. Nursing mothers with extra breast milk could be donating the surplus to milk banks (see www.hmbana.org), as I did. Recommending that the milk be used by a restaurant is irresponsible, and indicates poor ethical judgment.

PETA, if you are serious about this suggestion, you have made a serious error in judgment. If you are not serious (which is what I hope), then your humor somehow didn't really communicate sufficiently.

You should retract this recommendation.

Posted by: Tandy | September 24, 2008 10:37 AM

As a Breastmilk donor (which means that I had to much milk for my babies) I am so horrified by this proposal.
There are mothers that would die for ounces of Breastmilk for their babies and you are suggesting to WASTE that precious milk in icecream?!!! I luxury item???
If there is any breastmilk that left it should be donated to the human milk bank and be given to the sick, premature babies that need it the most. Not to Ben & jerry- And do you know how much testing a donating mom has to go thru to donate milk?
I support a lot of your ideas but this is an oxymoron!!!

Posted by: Iliana McNair | September 24, 2008 10:41 AM

I have a 7-month old baby, and producing enough extra milk to be away from her for one day is EXHAUSTING - physically and emotionally. Anyone who suggests that women can produce enough milk to fill even one Ben & Jerry's flavors has obviously never nursed a baby.

Posted by: Laura | September 24, 2008 10:52 AM

i think coconut milk is a much better option...

Posted by: lisa | September 24, 2008 10:53 AM

I understand wanting to not use the milk from cows as a vegetarian myself. However, there is rice, soy, almond, etc milks that can be used to make ice cream. If moms are going to be willing to pump, that precious milk should go to babies in the NICU, or adoptive babies, or to babies who have moms that can not produce any/enough milk. Breast milk is important to babies, and it should not be wasted on a non essential food like ice cream. I am a lactating mom, and will donate my excess milk before selling it to be made into ice cream. I would totally be buying ice cream made with soy/rice/almond milk, though!

Posted by: CrystalC | September 24, 2008 11:20 AM

Haven't any of you people heard of disease transmission through breast milk? Well if you haven't, I would just like to inform you that human breast milk can contain diseases and viruses such as HIV and AIDS from the mother. That's not something I would want to drunk, nor would I trust that it would be properly filtered from the vat of milk.

Posted by: A | September 24, 2008 12:31 PM

I checked this out on Snopes and About.com/Urban Legends. I was pretty sure it was a joke or fabricated out of whole cloth. Ah- but no! It is PETA being outrageous again. They do it for the buzz...which is fine. I send them money now and then and can trace my being a vegetarian back to them. But as with all things in life, it pays to be a bit sceptical. If you wanted to bring attention to how cows are treated, what would YOU do? This suggestion seems to be the ticket for emails being sent, blogs being written, outrage expressed, etc. I still think it was for the buzz and not a serious suggestion.

Posted by: Nancy P. | September 24, 2008 12:33 PM

"Breast milk is important to babies, and it should not be wasted on a non essential food like ice cream." Couldn't agree more. The same is true for calves.

Posted by: Antigone1000 | September 24, 2008 12:41 PM

I want to be a breastmilk factory farmer

Posted by: Chris Irwin | September 24, 2008 12:45 PM

Great idea! Is there a petition we can sign?

Posted by: Ayrshire | September 24, 2008 01:28 PM

OK This is a bit much. How many women would also have to be pregnant every nine months and how often during the day would they have to express milk in order to have enough milk to produce any consumer product. Not to mention the sanitary issues involved in collecting milk from that many people. I don't know how many folks out there have actually breast fed their babies and had to express milk for their child while they went to work. There is not much to get at one time. Let's get real, this just does not make good sense.

Posted by: Mel | September 24, 2008 01:31 PM

As a publicity stunt, this was a brilliant idea. It's made people think about the potential cost of milk to those expected to be donors. Now, all that remains is for those horrified by this suggestions to make the connection: no one, not even a cow, deserves to be treated as a milking "machine".

But, yes. In reality, it's simply not practical to expect humans to produce the amount of milk needed for large scale operations. :P

Best case scenario is that we will one day be able to eliminate, or virtually eliminate, milk consumption by adult humans. Otherwise, perhaps (as with the IV meat project) there will be a "cleaner" way of producing milk...?

Posted by: Rachel | September 24, 2008 01:33 PM

I think it's a GREAT IDEA, alas, i have already spoken to friends about it previously and very few liked the idea. I for one applaud the suggestion, and if regulations were put in place to verify the quality of the milk it would help reduce unemployement and be a powerful arguement against drug use (milk would only be accepted after drug testing the applicants of course. And ice cream is only one dairy-derived product. Don't forget butter, cheese, even yogurt! You could even put the picture of the source on the milk cartons. Come on, who wouldn't want a double scoop of double D ice cream!

Posted by: Lask | September 24, 2008 02:21 PM

What do you mean "has just announced"? About a week ago the local Zürich papers reported that the restaurant was forbidden to offer the dishes made with mother's milk on health and safety grounds.

I applaud some of the issues you stand for, but at least get your facts right.

Posted by: victor | September 24, 2008 02:31 PM

I respect your organization's mission statement, however, as cofounder to Ben and Jerry's I think that it would not be in your financial best interest to change to human breast milk. I, as well as many others would not purchase any products from Ben and Jerry's if this movement were to be approved. I would rather be more interest in what you can do with Soy milk verse Breast milk.

Posted by: Jennifer | September 24, 2008 02:52 PM

I think PETA is trying to make the point that if humans want to continue drinking milk past the age of weaning (unlike any other animal on earth), then human milk would be a lot more appropriate for us than cows' milk. Neither though is necessary for us past the age of weaning.

The logistics of factory-farmed human breast milk would be impossible to achieve (and I don't think PETA really considers it a viable alternative to cows' milk). So it makes far more sense to consume plant-based milks.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 24, 2008 03:01 PM

Of course that would be their reply. They are totally heartless morons.

Posted by: Kelly | September 24, 2008 03:07 PM

Why use real milk at all. Use soy or rice milk. It would still taste good. :D

Posted by: Mr.Nobody | September 24, 2008 03:32 PM

This is just more PETA grandstanding for attention since there is no way using human breast milk is feasible alternative to cow milk. I guess they wouldn't have gotten so much press if they had suggested Ben & Jerry's use soy milk, have them put out a test line of soy milk flavors to gain interest with the public.

Posted by: Stan | September 24, 2008 03:34 PM

Someone above wrote: "I have a 7-month old baby, and producing enough extra milk to be away from her for one day is EXHAUSTING - physically and emotionally. Anyone who suggests that women can produce enough milk to fill even one Ben & Jerry's flavors has obviously never nursed a baby."

So, it's okay to make cows go through this for human consumption????

Do people not get that this "idea" was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, to help people become aware of the suffering of animals used in the dairy industry?

Posted by: Michele | September 24, 2008 03:34 PM

Here is my opinion...I happily breastfed three children beyond their first year. I loved it. The pumping when I went back to work was only unpleasant because I felt pressure to cut my pumping sessions short. If I had had the time I would have pumped three or four times a day and even considered selling my milk for other BABIES!!!! I WOULD SELL MY OWN BREAST MILK FOR USE IN ICE CREAM NO SOONER THAN I WOULD SELL IT TO A FETISHIST! The very idea is disgusting. Breast milk is meant for babies and toddlers. I think PETA is trying to cause "buzz" by suggesting a ridiculous idea. For heaven's sake!

Posted by: Colleen | September 24, 2008 03:35 PM

I think this is nothing more than a brilliant publicity stunt. They should have done it on April 1st though for maximum attention!! way to go PETA! People will believe anything.

Posted by: kathrine | September 24, 2008 03:52 PM

Beyond the fact that this is an absurd idea - even it if was only made from a "thought provoking" angle.... Not even going into the health angle on this, I would like to remind those of you who think this is a FANTASTIC idea - that you are essentially promoting the slaugter of thousands of dairy cows (and they won't be used as beef cattle either, they'll just be killed). Which I'm pretty sure you're against to start with... Not to mention that you would be shutting down all those dairy Farmers. How do you plan to support them once you take away their income?
I'm all for the ethical treatment of animals - and having visited many farms in my life - most are pretty good. If they don't keep it clean and treat the animals well, they don't produce. So, it's in their best interest to treat the animals well.
I have now lost respect for the PETA organization after this as well as those of you who support this.

Posted by: Mindy | September 24, 2008 03:54 PM

Another swing and a miss PETA.

Posted by: Darrin | September 24, 2008 04:02 PM

Ewwwwwwwwww. You wouldn't catch me eating that stuff. I hate ice cream.

Posted by: Jack | September 24, 2008 04:14 PM

Seriously, a lot of people commenting here need to realize that PETA doesn't actually want them to use human breast milk...they're just pointing out how simply ridiculous it is to use cow breast milk! Many people find it discussing to even think of drinking human milk, while finding nothing wrong with drink cow milk. I'd say it's actually far more gross! Everyone who is saying that human milk is best used for baby humans needs to realize that cow's milk is best used for baby cows.
I think PETA is doing an amazing job with this, and they are definitely right when saying that cow's milk is best used for baby cows!

Posted by: J | September 24, 2008 04:18 PM

Ah, PETA. Of course this crazy suggestion makes your point about milk-unfortunately, people don't see this for being just that: a crazy suggestion rendered simply to make a point. They take it literally. Obviously, no one should be drinking human breast milk except for human babies. But I'm still smiling at your (characteristic) audacity.

Posted by: Anna | September 24, 2008 04:22 PM

Cost to produce Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry's, using human milk: (a table with calculations and citations has been included)

The standard for ice cream, to be ice cream, is that it must weigh 4.5 pounds per gallon. It takes 12 pounds of milk to make one gallon of ice cream(IC). Now, assuming that human milk and bovine milk has the same density (which they do not due to diet and chemical make up differences), a gallon of milk weighs 8.61 pounds. So, using the formula; pounds of milk to make a gallon of IC divided by weight of one gallon of milk, that would equal 1.39 gallons of milk to a gallon of IC (12 / 8.61 = 1.39)

Using the standard conversion of 128oz per gallon, and the target human breast milk production for 24 hrs (~20oz) we find that it would require 8.92 women to create the milk needed to produce one gallon of IC. Simple extrapolation shows how this number becomes even more absurd when we see how many women would be required to fill just one of the four (4) six thousand gallon storage tanks at their Waterbury Factory in one day. 8.92 women per gallon/day X 6000 gal. storage tank = 53,521.5 women.

The numbers becomes even more economically unfeasible when we find out that the cost of human breast milk on the open market is ~$3 per ounce. A number assured to go through the roof when Ben & Jerry's starts to purchase the supplies in banks around the country. The cost to fill one storage tank at the Waterbury facility: ($3 X 128 oz) X 6000 gal. = $2.3 million.

Posted by: Kenman | September 24, 2008 04:40 PM

My guess is PETA was being sarcastic with their letter, perhaps Ben and Jerry's will switch to Soy

Posted by: Cristine | September 24, 2008 04:49 PM

My wife donates excess pumped milk to the University of Iowa Milk Bank (there is no compensation from legitimate Milk Banks) for use in their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (as well as other NICUs).

Our two month old gets plenty of milk, our two year old son even asks for a glass of "mommy-milk" from time to time, and she is still able to donate about 2 gallons of milk per month.

Even if one stands clear of the ethical debate,logistical and production issues, and regulatory obstacles, there is one major hurdle preventing breast milk from being utilized in ice cream production...the only flavor would be cantaloupe (breast milk tastes like cantaloupe juice...seriously.)

Posted by: Derek, MD | September 24, 2008 04:50 PM

I do aggree that cow's milk should not be used in ice cream, but maybe us activists can urge Ben and Jerry's to use other plant milks such as soy or rice. Using human breast milk just make us look wacky and is really unrealistic. I am vegan and would not cosume excretions from any animal- even a fairly treated human. It's just SICK!! Anyway, this campaign will hopefully open the publics' eyes to see how unnatural the dairy products they consume are.

Posted by: Deanna | September 24, 2008 05:39 PM

While I am completely for the values PETA stands for this is crazy!! Besides the fact that the thought of eating ice cream made of breast milk is gross, you are basically asking the company, Ben & Jerry's, to go bankrupt. While the folks at PETA may buy a truck load that is not enough to keep the shareholders happy and there aren't enough vegans around to keep them in business which means people would loose jobs and the effect on the local economy would be significant.

Let's keep our energies focused on changes that can really happen.

Posted by: Christine Javery | September 24, 2008 05:45 PM

I think a lot of commenters are missing the point. I don't think PETA ever actually expected for Ben & Jerry's to use breast milk...it's more of a publicity stunt for the public to see how insane it is to drink milk from a cow in the first place. Most people cringe at the thought of using breast milk in their ice cream, but using cow milk is no cleaner. Breast milk is for human babies. Cow milk is for calves. As adults, we no longer need milk of any kind. I think that was the point that was trying to be made here.

Posted by: Becca | September 24, 2008 05:59 PM

I have a question. I'm not a vegan, but respect people that make that choice for health or spiritual reasons. I guess I understand why it's ok to "eat" fruits and certain vegetables because you can eat them without killing/harming the plant, plant's don't feel pain, etc. However, aren't a lot of insects killed in agriculture? I mean, if part of the justification of being vegan is not harming cows-- which totally makes sense and I respect, how does that comport with the large number of insects being killed, the use of pesticides, etc. I don't think there's enough organic farms right now, so some of the produce will come from farms that used pesticides. I know this is off topic, but I would like to understand this?

Posted by: Brandon | September 24, 2008 06:02 PM

We agree that using human breast milk to make ice cream is absurd. What is more absurd, however, is using a different species' breast milk for nourishment.

Our letter was designed to raise awareness about the cruelty inherent in the dairy industry, which exploits animals in order to produce foods that humans were never intended to eat. For more information about the dairy industry and to learn why humans should avoid dairy products, please visit http://www.DumpDairy.com.

PETA's purpose is to stop animal suffering, and we use all available opportunities to reach millions of people with powerful messages—and the fact that you contacted us about this is a sign that our efforts are working. We have found that people do pay more attention to our more provocative actions, and we consider the public's attention to be extremely important. Unfortunately, getting the animal rights message to the public is not always easy and straightforward. Unlike our opposition, which is mostly composed of wealthy industries and corporations, PETA must rely on getting free "advertising" through media coverage.

The dairy industry spends more than $160 million per year on efforts to hook humans on cow's milk, but people who care about maintaining good health for themselves and their children - and who oppose cruelty to animals - should never consume dairy products.

Besides humans, no species drinks milk beyond infancy or drinks the milk of another species. Cow's milk is suited to the nutritional needs of calves, who have four stomachs and gain hundreds of pounds in a matter of months. The diet that is healthiest for infant humans is a natural one that consists of their own mother's milk, just as cow's milk is also best for baby cows.

Dairy products are hazardous to human health. They have been linked to juvenile diabetes, allergies, constipation, obesity, and prostate and ovarian cancer. The late Dr. Benjamin Spock, America's leading authority on child care, spoke out against feeding cow's milk to children. He said that it can set kids up for obesity and heart disease—America's number one cause of death. Cow's milk is the primary cause of food allergies among infants and children, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.

Like all mammals, cows only produce milk during and after pregnancy, so to be able to constantly milk them, farmers forcefully impregnate cows every nine months. The cows are impregnated year after year, but they are never allowed to nurture their calves. They are treated as nothing more than milk machines, and they are genetically manipulated and given hormone injections to force them to produce more than three times as much milk as their babies would naturally suckle. After several years of living in filthy conditions and being forced to produce 10 times more milk than they would naturally, their exhausted bodies are turned into hamburgers or ground up for soup.

And of course, the veal industry could not survive without the dairy industry. Because male calves can't produce milk, dairy farmers take them from their mothers immediately after birth and sell them to veal farms, where they endure 14 to 17 weeks of torment chained inside crates so small that they can't even turn around.

--PETA

Posted by: PETA | September 24, 2008 06:04 PM

SOY MILK IS THE BEST OPTION!

Posted by: ERICA | September 24, 2008 06:26 PM

all the people taking this ad seriously are morons! It's a publicity stunt to draw attention to the suffering of cows for human consumption. It was not meant to be taken seriously!

Posted by: Lauren | September 24, 2008 07:20 PM

While I applaude the suggestion of alternatives to cow's milk, I find the idea of using human breast milk ridiculous. Anyone who has breastfed knows how demanding it is both physically and emotionally. Not to mention the fact that there are plenty of mothers who cannot produce enough milk for their infants. Something so valuable to infants should be donated to those who need it if there's an excess, not used to make ice cream. With all the other alternatives [soy, coconut, etc.], breastmilk is something I would never think of suggesting. Why would you suggest something that you yourselves are now calling "absurd"? It might be wise to make realistic suggestions - that will gain more support than hair-brained ideas.

Posted by: qhbugs | September 24, 2008 07:32 PM

Ben and Jerry's Lactation Sensation.

Coming soon.

Posted by: Karl Marx, Jr. | September 24, 2008 07:41 PM

Cost to retool B&J to use breast milk

I think the notion of using mother's milk may be impractical for several reasons:
1. Cost of retooling milk collection apparatus for different cup sizes.
2. Social class differential pay for contributors.
3. Will milk be collected in common areas (as is now the practice)
4. or will there be costs incurred for furnishing the écurie?
5. Taste testing panels.

The thought is overwhelming.

Posted by: Carlos | September 24, 2008 08:15 PM

I'm impressed that such a simple letter received so much attention. If only people paid a little more attention to the content of the letter rather than the silly human breastmilk intro. Alas, when it comes to the American public, you'll never go broke underestimating their intelligence. Way to Go, PETA, for taking advantage of that sad fact.

Posted by: Elaine Vigneault | September 24, 2008 08:44 PM

All these comments, and not one person has recognised that this is a modest proposal? People need to turn off their TVs, go to the library, and read their Swift.

Well played, PETA. I don't subscribe to all of your ideas, but I respect your creativity in this campaign.

Posted by: Tommy | September 24, 2008 09:36 PM

The biggest thing to consiter is the fact human exsistance has relied on animals to nourish them in health, via meats and milks, also in shelter, clothing, weapons, tools, and basic survival needs. With out the balance of nature no animals we see today would exsist, even humans. Todays diet in america is very poor and malnurished because of corn syrups, stabalizers, preservatives, and saturated fats. All the food you eat containing these unnatural products is not identifiable in your body, due to our natural diets these man made substances are not seen as food, and stored as fats. Cows milk...Has anybody ever looked at the benifits of raw milk...or the reasons why we cannot buy raw milk in most states?? Well, pasturizing milk is pretty much a way to allow unsanitary conditions to develope before the actual pastrurization of the milk. It pretty much means the area peta needs to concintrate on is the conditions of the animals and their health, just like they always have been. NECI 08

Posted by: Alex | September 24, 2008 09:45 PM

As a PR professional, I'd like to congratulate PETA on getting some sensationalized press out of this press release. As a nursing mom, I am certain that your spokeswoman VP has not done a lot of pumping in her day. Continue the work, but make it realistic. There are so many more important things to focus on. And...get it right - cows can continue to be milked until they wean, not due to another pregnancy. Ever seen a mom nursing her toddler? She's not doing that because she got pregnant again!

Posted by: Jennifer Wong | September 24, 2008 11:29 PM

Human breast milk ice cream!!! Rediculous, Preposterous, Insane and (dare I say) udderly(Sorry I coudn't resist) unfeasable!!! Imagine rows upon rows of pregnant women attached to breast pumps giving thier all of 10 ounces (if even that ) of milk per woman a day it would require so many women to supply the quantities of milk needed for even i days production of Ben & Jerry's that shouts of Women slavery would clamour for the company's demise(and possibly the owner's heads in tow)
Never mind the concept of consuming human breast milk ice cream alone is fodder for a comic fieldday the likes of which would make hilarity ring out from the worlds press for years to come (Pamela Anderson jokes anyone...how about Dolly Parton jokes..no?)

Posted by: Pierre Poirier | September 24, 2008 11:30 PM

Reply »
|Report Abuse |#1113 3 hrs ago
Why aren't we concerned with Dihydrogen Monoxide.
What is Dihydrogen Monoxide?
Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. The atomic components of DHMO are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol.
Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of Dihydrogen Monoxide are: Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage.
Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects.
DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
Contributes to soil erosion.
Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals.
Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits.
Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.
Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks.
Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere, and in hurricanes including deadly storms in Florida, New Orleans and other areas of the southeastern U.S.
Thermal variations in DHMO are a suspected contributor to the El Nino weather effect.
By the way if you haven't figuired it out by now, dihydrogen monoxides consist of 2 atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. H20, better known as water. Anything can be made to sound sinister

Posted by: R P Foster | September 24, 2008 11:41 PM

My new bumperstickers: JUST SAY YES TO MOO JUICE. JUST SAY NO TO MA JUICE.

Posted by: Jerry Rosen | September 25, 2008 12:09 AM

Sigh, they're not being serious, people. They're trying to make a point, albeit a ridiculous one. One last piece of info: I make homemade ice cream all the time and you cannot make it out of soy or any other milk-like substance. It has to be the real thing. I'm sure breast milk would probably work, but I'm not gonna try it.

Posted by: Lori | September 25, 2008 01:34 AM

I heard this on tv and thought it was a joke. This is the dummest thing I have ever heard..It makes PETA look like they are bored and sit around thinking of silly ideas. I can just picture a group of women sitting on stools hooked up to pumps. Women who are nursing usually have babies that they need to feed..Keep the breast milk for the babies not the adults. There are millions of strarving babies around the world who need breast milk donated to them..Not the already fat americans who shouldnt be eating ice cream in the first place.

Posted by: Kelli | September 25, 2008 02:42 AM

Hmmm, what does this say about newstories and media.

I did not see the horrible hormel pig abuse video on the news stations but this story was an early morning header on cable news.

I agree had it been soy milk this would not have garnered such attention.

Posted by: Valerie | September 25, 2008 09:28 AM

Food for thought: so the mention of breast milk as a 'vegan' product has confused me? Are humans not mammals? As far as I know, a vegan wouldn't drink goats milk or eat goats meat. So if a 'vegan' is happy to drink human breast milk, would they also be happy to eat human meat...? There is a reason why, women naturally stop lactating as their child grows, why, because the infant does not not need the milk any longer. If people have such a problem with cows milk and the production, don't drink it, or any by-products of it, less support leads to less production.

Posted by: Tan | September 25, 2008 09:46 AM

I support PETA in every which way possible but maybe there is another way that PETA can approach this issue.

Posted by: STACI | September 25, 2008 10:06 AM

I think it's a great idea!! Kill the human babies so we can use the mother's milk for something we absolutely do not need, thus saving the cows, whose babies we have always murdered so we can have their mother's milk, which we absolutely do not need. I know PETA is joking, but what a great way to try to set right an injustice.

Funny how all you outraged people fail to see the irony. Just makes me glad to be on the more intelligent side in the AR rights debate.

Posted by: antigone1000 | September 25, 2008 10:08 AM

How stupid, being able to process milk is our species most recent adaptation. Plus how many women would you need to be able to make a sufficient amount of milk, more than the amount of cows I'm sure. Also don't women have to be pregnant to produce milk, pretty sure we don't need more people getting pregnant to support america's gluttony

Posted by: DP | September 25, 2008 10:58 AM

As I have said before, there seems to be a loss of one's sense of humor and irony through the consumption of meat products. The reaction though only shows the true genius of the PETA PR department. I enjoy reading the comments by people outraged by the thought of women hooked up to machines to pump their milk, when they don't give a second thought to cows suffering the same fate. The images are vividly forced into people's heads, but some have an ethical disconnect that allows them to lash out in anger at PETA while ignoring all sense of compassion when it comes to the treatment and exploitation of animals.

Donating milk to a legitimate milk bank is a very easy process - medical health history, a quick interview, a blood draw, a recent physical, and the expectation to donate at least 100 ounces total (my wife donated over 250 ounces the first month alone - there is NO financial compensation for these selfless donations).

Donate to Milk Banks!!!

Posted by: Derek, MD | September 25, 2008 11:23 AM

Antigone,
I think most people saw the irony. They were just making sure other, less intelligent, people didn't buy into the BS. Its not PETA hasn't said some pretty weird crap before. Just look at the new post from today. They are blaming a murder on a hamburger.
They must be running out of topics.

Posted by: Kurt K | September 25, 2008 12:12 PM

This is rediculous. How far will these people go? I am breastfeeding my five week old. I can only pump up to five oz a day! how many women would you need to be giving birth and then their baby would get no essential breast milk if they were putting it toward ice cream! It would be impossible to get enough women to produce ebough milk for a consumer product like this. It makes no sense. This is one of the craziest things they've come up with. They really need to accept that there are little things they need to let go. How bout just stop making ice cream all together or dairy products cuz its all the same right? I wouldnt be buying it if it was made with breastmilk. So many diseases can be transmitted as well. Rediculous!

Posted by: Tami | September 25, 2008 12:23 PM

Wow!! Sitting here reading all this crud from everyone saying how crazy of an idea, taking it away from babies...lets get real people, this isn't a serious suggestion. It is to prove a point and you all just fell for it- just what we wanted to hear, sort of...the way that you all can't believe the idea- taking the milk away from the babies-it's un-healthful, it's so disgusting!.....EXACTLY!!! Why are we so shielded and blinded from the fact that cow's milk is JUST AS DISGUSTING, and just as harmful and un-healthful, and just as mean to the baby cows? Because we are humans? Where do we get off deciding what animals we can eat, take their milk, take their skins, take their dignity, take their families, and take their lives? We aren't god. We have no right deciding their fate- just as much as we have no right taking breast milk from human mothers. We have to make a compassionate connection here. Animals have feelings and hopes and wants just as much as we do. They deserve respect and protection but instead we spit on them. As a people we need to first recognize this, then get over ourselves, and change it. We can make a difference in their lives and our own by becoming more compassionate. Our planet, our health, and the animals need this...now. PETA decides to make outrageous demos and comes up with crazy ideas to get people talking about the topics. They want people to make that connection. They are animals' heros.

Vegan forever!

Posted by: Kelly | September 25, 2008 12:28 PM

Um, I thin that this is interesting.... However drinking breast milk just isnt what I would want to do. I am all for using kess and less cow milk, however I think soy milk as a substitute would be a better idea. Where would we get all that human breast milk anyways????

Posted by: Alicia Myers | September 25, 2008 12:44 PM

What do you like better? Watermelonie or Peanut Butter and Shelly.

Posted by: Chris | September 25, 2008 12:44 PM

ick. i would not drink breast milk from another human, nor would i eat it in ice cream. even if i, and others, would consume it, how could a company as large as Ben and Jerry's accumulate enough breast milk to sustain product demand? have YOU ever tried to milk yourself? it aint easy. and you dont get much. the entire idea, while fanciful, simply isnt practical. and i ask you... when was your last hamburger?

Posted by: LauriT | September 25, 2008 01:03 PM

I think putting human breast milk in ice cream is absolutley stupid. You are worried about the comfort of cows? Yet you want to discomfort hundreds of women? Cows usually arent uncomfortable when they are being milked they start as soon as they start to product milk. Its a lot faster for a cow to produce milk than a human. Not to mention that breast milk contains things such as proteins and such for brain developement of a baby. Cows can still feed their babies. If we needed to be drinking breast milk all our lives we would be attachted to a womens breast all our lives.

Posted by: jackie hancock | September 25, 2008 01:08 PM

Is human breast milk vegan?

Posted by: Ross | September 25, 2008 01:32 PM

Kurt K: I am quite sure that everyone did not see the irony. For example, read the latest post by Jackie Hancock. Thankfully, she is one of yours. (If you still aren't convinced, I'll cite some other names when I have enough time to do it.)

Posted by: Antigone1000 | September 25, 2008 01:36 PM

Good idea. People shouldn't be so weird about drinking human breast milk; they eat their cereal with cow's breast milk.

Posted by: Ashleigh M. | September 25, 2008 02:04 PM

incredible article! i love the people that are taking it seriously ----- sarcasm people! learn it!

Posted by: Meg | September 25, 2008 02:47 PM

The bottom line is Milk is for babies, if your not a baby stay away from it.

Cows milk is for baby cows only
Human milk is for baby humans only

use soy

This is a VERY dumb idea, it just replaces the cows with women. If its so cruel to cows, why is it ok for women?

Posted by: Cecil Sanchez | September 25, 2008 03:06 PM

IMO a better platform would be encouraging breastfeeding and the discontinuation of formula use. Instead of using breastmilk for ice cream, it should go to those mothers who due to hormonal or structural problems can not produce milk for their baby. Women are not to be MILKED. Breastfeeding is not a commodity, it's a human right. (And it is an infant's right to be fed the most nutritious, complete substance available, which in most cases is breastmilk.)

For ice cream, rice milk is an appropriate replacement.

Clearly, this campaign is more about "drawing attention" than it is about coming up with workable solutions.

Posted by: Colleen Rivera | September 25, 2008 04:19 PM

Was this idea spearheaded by a man? If it was a woman, it must have been a woman that either
a. has never had children
b. a woman who has never breastfed
I just weaned my son from breastfeeding and when I had to pump, it was a loooong hard process to get just a tiny bit of milk.
Why don't you just focus your efforts on humane treatment for dairy animals?
Also, cows go a year between births- not 9 months- to ensure that they have a healthy calf (which then they produce more milk). Cows are valuable to the dairy farmer as well, the farmer does not want to loose money.

Posted by: Misty | September 25, 2008 04:22 PM

Look I think breast is best for a baby, I nursed my son for about 14 months, but this is ridiculous. PETA is great for helping rid cruel animal testing and killing of animals for furs, but this is absurd. So now you want women to hook up to a pump? It is necessary for cows to be milked and now a days the equipment does not hurt the cows. I live in a rural farm community and even all of our little farms in our area have the updated technology in their milk houses.

Posted by: Tiffany | September 25, 2008 04:55 PM

Jackie Hancock, just out of curiosity how do you know the cows don't feel discomfort when they are milked 24/7? I can equally argue that the cows are just as outraged about their milk being used for humans instead of their babies.....

Just fyi, the mother cows can't feed their babies because the newborn calves are denied their mother's milk due to human greed and indulgence!

As to PETA's proposal, everyone needs to lighten up a bit. Just don't eat ice cream, as if Americans really need those extra calories!

Posted by: mlo | September 25, 2008 05:11 PM

OMG! When is enough enough! This is the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard.

Posted by: Cris Page | September 25, 2008 05:24 PM

Swiss media comment 18th Sept, which is about as hipocritical as it gets. If Human milk is unsuitable for us adults cows miks sucks

Posted by: dwiggin@xppower.com | September 25, 2008 05:49 PM

This topic is hilarious and proves to me how people are so far removed from understanding when something is meant to make people think and something that is meant to take seriously. I sincerely believe that PETA is only trying to make people realize how absolutely ridiculous it is for humans to drink cow's milk. Think about it! Most people say "Oh, gross! Human milk?!", but when it comes to drinking the milk of an animal that lives in filth on a farm and pumped full of drugs it is perfectly alright. God help us all when people fail to see the humor of thought provoking jokes from a comic and become completely offended because they take it so seriously. Lighten up and see the underlying intelligence in this campaign.

Posted by: Michael Essi | September 25, 2008 05:53 PM

Wow, people are even stupider than I thought. Even after so many posts explaining that PETA is NOT being serious about the whole breast milk ice cream thing and that it was just to make a point, people are still posting comments taking the idea seriously. Just the fact that it had to be explained to people is sad. I guess this just reveals why so many drink cow milk in the first place.

Posted by: Steph | September 25, 2008 05:55 PM

What about sorbet???
Instead of using milk we use water, no animal or women are getting used up and the sorbet tastes like ice cream

Posted by: Marika | September 25, 2008 05:56 PM

aahahahaaa listen to the sheeple who actually took this seriously instead of focusing on the point PETA was trying to get across.

Now you see why this country is in the state it's in, brainwashed, mind controlled, dummied down SHEEPLE told by the govt (BIG CORPS) what foods to eat and what drugs to take

"If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." – Thomas Jefferson

People it's up to you, ice cream is NOT food for survival (or meat) out of compassion people need to start turning to 'eat to live' rather than 'live to eat' this way most of this country's BIG CORPS (including the meat & dairy industries) could NO longer rule as THEY are the reason for this country's demise!

Cow's milk (dairy) is MOST un-natural for human consumption and meat our bodies were NOT designed to digest.

Nothing more strongly arouses our disgust than cannibalism, yet we make the same impression on Buddhists and vegetarians, for we feed on babies though not our own.

SO TRUE

Posted by: Shari | September 25, 2008 05:57 PM

I think that it would taste good. I dont mind getting straight from the source if a woman is willing, I'll gladly drink anytime.

Posted by: wmotor | September 25, 2008 06:00 PM

I am an avid PETA supporter, both with my time and monetary support. I am truly disappointed in this stunt - and I'm honestly hoping that was the intention - as I've already been a target for the "wacko PETA" jokes, but this one is truly hard to defend.

Posted by: Perplexed | September 25, 2008 06:18 PM

Seriously? whats the point of this whole organization if your just going to EXPLOIT somethig else? and seriously the milk in ice cream yes has a con of allergies by diabetes and obesity is from the nasy chemicals and all the sugar. like you said cows milk is for baby cows and like that breast milk is for babies.

Posted by: Michael | September 25, 2008 07:14 PM

This is sick. Hello, what if the woman has a disease like HIV which is passed through body fluids such as milk. Yeah, I want to eat that icecream. This is just nasty.

Posted by: Goose | September 25, 2008 07:21 PM

You people have just gone too far...This is repulsive...The Mother's milk made by her body is SPECIFICALLY for HER BABY...Not for adults to consume! Did you ever think about DISEASE being spread? NASTY, NASTY, NASTY really unethical idea. Cow's milk (made by God) was created to be an important part of our diet. Leave the cows alone, they are fine....

Posted by: LLS | September 25, 2008 07:34 PM

wow peta, yes i may not be a vegan but i do listen to things this organization says (and keep it in the back of my mind). I am sorry but this is going wayyy too far, and who ever believes in this is crazy. I guess you guys did not sit down and realize that this is a huge human rights violation. Cows need to be milked, yes some need a better living conditions, but not all. This economy is taking a hit already, and paying for a 50 dollar pint of ice cream is not worth it. I rather have my icecream with cow's milk thank you. Honestly how about you make ice cream with breast milk, see how that women feels about it and have the person(s) that came up with this idea eat the ice cream and post a video of it.

Posted by: Ash | September 25, 2008 07:36 PM

unless i missed something, from being on a farm, cows have to be milked or they themselves can develope masstitis. and that's a bad thing. breast milk i also thought was really only good for children upto a certain age, and then there's is really no absolute value to it, it is very high in cholesterol, how would that be taken care of? also the breast milk would have to be pasturized to be useable, thus removing the nutritional value, i don't think the milk could handle the process, if there ever would be enough to use. i certainly have my doubts and think it is really far fetched, groossss.

Posted by: kristin | September 25, 2008 07:40 PM

this is rediculous. Plus the milk would have to be scanned for viruses (ie HIV) and certain medications that would make it harzardous. I say you guys pick mothers off the street and see if they would give up their breast milk for you guys, see how they feel about it, make ice cream, and have the people that came up with this silly idea eat the icecream and see how they like it. Then post a video of it on youtube.

this was not a smart move for peta. I guess you guys really didn't think this out before you went public with this idea. -insert homer's douh! sound

Posted by: Ash | September 25, 2008 07:43 PM

Crazy. Come on now....Are you running out of things to boycott. I don't even know what else to say...this idea is so far out there.

Posted by: sylvia | September 25, 2008 07:47 PM

You are out of your mind.

Posted by: kelly | September 25, 2008 08:03 PM

I have to say that this is not one of PETA's smarter ideas. I can understand using breast milk as an example, but being serious about it is not only foolish, but excessive. If you don't want a cow to suffer like that, why in the world would you suggest a human being? I'm a vegetarian, and I can understand what you want to change, but just suggest soy. Use breast milk as an example.

Posted by: Bethany Rayman | September 25, 2008 08:53 PM

Have you ever spoken to a dairy farmer? I know a couple that have had cows WAKING THEM UP to milk them in the morning. And they don't typically milk cows that have calves. The milk is then reserved for their calves. But without the calves to remove the extra milk that is produced, the cows actually become very uncomfortable and WANT the milk out. We are the beneficiaries of such a process. Besides, some of us were never able to drink breast milk. We want to be able to eat ice cream. I happen to be one such person.

Posted by: Alicia | September 25, 2008 08:58 PM

I have been a long time supported of PETA, but this is absurd. Human breast milk can transmit the HIV virus. Statistics show that breast milk from an HIV+ mother has a 10-30% transmission rate. I'm sure that the breast milk would theoretically be "tested" but would you trust an ice cream company to do appropriate testing?

This is absurd.

Posted by: Robby | September 25, 2008 09:03 PM

If PETA in fact promotes this disgusting breast milk idea, I will no longer trust this organization. This is saying a great deal, as I've been a devoted supporter for years & years.
As a woman, I find this idea totally dehumanizing.

Posted by: a | September 25, 2008 09:54 PM

i can not believe this. i am a farm girl. and i am sorry but using breast milk instead of cows milk. i want to let you know that it isn't painful for a cow to give milk. it is a release for them. As for the babies they do get milk from there mom, its called colustrum. and they get it for about a day. I am sorry by this is ridiculous.

Posted by: Kalyn | September 25, 2008 10:16 PM

Am I the only one who took this article to be tongue in cheek? I read it thinking it was a bit of a joke. I mean, maybe they were trying to get the point across that no human being would want to be hooked up to a milking machine and forcefully impregnated, so why is it ok for us to do that to cows? I don't think anyone REALLY expects Ben and Jerry's to make breast milk ice cream. The idea is ridiculous. But maybe we could get them to start making more dairy free options.

Posted by: Erin | September 25, 2008 10:48 PM

As a woman I am offended. Infants drink breast milk from their mothers- not random people. Cows need to be milked, not humans. What is going to happen, lactating women will be asked to sell their milk (meant for the development of their children)in order to make icecream? Is this suggesting that it is acceptable for people to sell parts of their bodies? If you don't want to drink cow's milk that is perfectly fine- there is soy milk for a reason. But seriously, Humans produce hormones which come out in secretions such as breast milk. Not to mention medications and other enviornmental factors? How safe can this be for the general public? Instead of dairy farms are there going to be breast farms with women lined up, being fed on a schedule, and given numbers? This is such an absurd request and PETA, don't forget, we're mammals too.

Posted by: Bekka | September 25, 2008 11:41 PM

um does anyone not realize that is the most ridiculous idea ever? ...just putting it out there maybe im wrong

Posted by: alex | September 26, 2008 03:00 AM

I think that's gross. how about using something else in place of cow's milk. Or how about we treat cows with more dignity. This should be regulated better.

Posted by: animal lover | September 26, 2008 03:04 AM

So, based on this rationale, we should go with what is biologically intended. We should not drink milk after nursing age. However, looking at evolution, our dentition, and our primate relatives, eating meat seems just fine. I'd be all for killing it myself to eat once a month or so instead of having it factory processed, but that's hard to get away with in a city. Oh well ... lattes just don't taste the same with soy. *I eat mostly organic (when I can afford to) and don't actually eat that much meat, but don't feel that I function as well with just veggies.

Posted by: MonkeyGrl | September 26, 2008 08:27 AM

umm..wouldn't all the women have to be vegan in order for the breastmilk to be vegan?

Posted by: nicole | September 26, 2008 08:32 AM

Outrageous. Thanks for the laugh this morning!

Posted by: Mitch | September 26, 2008 08:56 AM

Are you well?

Posted by: Árpád | September 26, 2008 09:00 AM

I don't think this article was meant to be taken as literal as some of you are taking to to be. I'm pretty sure it was meant to just show how using milk from cows is just as wrong, if not worse, than using human breast milk.

Posted by: anika | September 26, 2008 09:22 AM

Using breast milk for ice cream? That is absolutly disgusting! Hooray for Ben and Jerry's for giving this idea a thubms down. What are you going to do, put breast feeding moms in head locks and hook them up to milking machines? This has gone way too far. Yuck! Just the thought of it makes me want to puke.

Posted by: laurie Tyler | September 26, 2008 09:40 AM

What? So let's support cows rights and offer up human mothers for mass milk prodcution? PETA gets way more out there everyday. How about pushing alternatives such as soy?

Posted by: Sarah | September 26, 2008 09:43 AM

I think this idea is discusting! Totally uneducated and I cant even believe this is even real! First of all did you people know what kind of testing would have to be involved in order to do this? second did you people know that if a woman has aids and her baby is lucky enough to not be infected it is not recommended that she breast feed because aids can be passed to her baby this way! The cost for testing this milk would be huge and third honestly first find a bunch of women who would actually do this and then prove that they themselfs are vegitarian or vegan ...wouldn't it defeat the purpose of using brest milk if the woman was a non vegan? and someone please explain how you stupid people would collect this milk??? would you have "woman" farms? women have come so very far in the last 100 or so years to be treated as equal to males in many ways...this seems almost regressive!...I really think you people need to get an education before you actually make such silly requests! Breat milk is for a mothers baby..weather it be a cow or human! Soy anyone??!! What a joke this all is though

Posted by: Yes Im A Vegan But Not like you | September 26, 2008 09:44 AM

In theory if they did do this (which would probably turn me off to frozen treats for the rest of my natural life) I think they should come up with new names like Superwoman, Nipopolitan, and maybe make some new flavors. You know, maybe team up to make a beer flavored ice cream. I can see it now "Milwaukee's Brest". But in all seriousnes this is about the creepiest thing I've read all day (and I've been on the internet for about 20 min).

Posted by: Wilson | September 26, 2008 09:46 AM

I am a nurse and human breast milk is considered a biological as in it carries disease and DNA from that mother. When I worked in the neonatal intensive care unit we had to use gloves to deliver breast milk to the infants. It is not meant to be shared amongst each other. While I do not know much about how we obtain our cow's milk to drink, I can't imagine it is such a horrible and painful process as such we think it is more desirable to use nursing mother's milk to provide our dairy and milk needs. This is quite an absurd venture.

Posted by: Nurse | September 26, 2008 09:47 AM

Chinese milk for all vegans! - I don't think it contains any animal milk. contact me- I am buying...

Posted by: Ivana | September 26, 2008 09:49 AM

I would be afraid that using Breast Milk would lead to Human Traffic of forced labor. Stick to SOY MILK. It taste great - easy to produce.

Posted by: Jeannie | September 26, 2008 09:54 AM

Aren't humans animals, too? So wouldn't that technically mean that you advocate the ethical treatment of humans as well, therefore, a human-milk farm would be cruelty towards an animal?

Posted by: SBrooks | September 26, 2008 09:57 AM

No offense guys, but this idea is pretty damn weird. Replacing cow milk with breast milk? Where and how would you even get the (wo)man power to attempt such an idea and if you do manage, would YOU be willing to pay them out of your own pocket?

I am a proud New Englander and have grown up eating Ben and Jerry's ice cream. So far, nothing bad has happened to me. Stick to saving animals in scientific testing and banning fur coats. Let the damn cows be milked.

Posted by: Jackie | September 26, 2008 10:14 AM

OMG You guys can't be serious!
Humans can't produce nearly enough breast milk for amount it would take to make these products. I think your going alittle to far on this one PETA. By the way I've tried breast milk & it's nasty.

Posted by: crazidazi | September 26, 2008 10:15 AM

I am a nursing mom who has donated my breastmilk to help very ill and malnourished children in this country and in Africa through the International Breastmilk Project. They still need donors. The donated breastmilk also helps adults who are undergoing chemotherapy and cannot digest much. I think any access breastmilk should go to babies and people who truly need its amazing nutritional and disease-fighting properties. Do we really need ice cream anyway? I hardly eat it! However, as someone who has spent many hours of the past year hooked up to a breast pump, I really empathize with cows. It's not an easy job! I wouldn't want that kind of life for the rest of my life. I do it out of love!

Posted by: Erin | September 26, 2008 10:18 AM

To Dawn:

"p.s. If cows have to be "forcefully impregnated every 9 months" how do you think we're going to get milk from humans?"

DUH! This is the point we are TRYING TO MAKE. You are basically repeating back what we are saying without letting it process through your brain. Would you like to be forcefully impregnanted every nine months? Hell no! So what in God's Name makes you think ANY CREATURE WOULD?

Seriously, YOU need to get YOUR facts straight. Just because PETA is giving this issue attention using shock-value does not mean they seriously want people to start putting women in factory farms.

Again, this is the whole point. Treat others as you want to be treated. Sorry, but I don't drink another animal's milk because I don't really like the idea of having a machine attatched to my breasts sucking away everyday, causing me intense pain and infections.

Posted by: Chelsea | September 26, 2008 10:52 AM

Seriously? I stopped drinking mama's milk looooong ago and I'm not about to ingest it again.. That's just laughable to me..
and I just threw up in my mouth a little..

Posted by: Kristina | September 26, 2008 10:54 AM

I go to different dairies many times each month, and those cows have it pretty good. That's beside the point anyways; Peta must want Ben & Jerry's to lose money, because people (including me) will be disgusted by this special ice cream.

Posted by: Rachel | September 26, 2008 11:02 AM

Im sorry but the only human breast milk I want to ingest was from the woman that gave birth to me! Cows are in a controlled environment and disease is kept at an absolute minimum. Disease's can take years to show up in humans and I definately do not want to drink / eat something that could possibly effect my health even more than drinking cows milk. I'll take my chances!This is about the most ridiculous idea I think Ive ever heard. Why stop at human breast milk... why dont we just start eating the meat from people who died of natural causes and sell it in grocery stores! This is, in my opinion, absolutely DISGUSTING and it WILL put Ben & Jerry's out of business if they switched.

Posted by: Holli | September 26, 2008 11:15 AM

I agree with the lady above. You guys have some great causes... however this is over the top. We should be kind to our animals... however, breat milk for ice cream?? The vision that popped in my head was where cows are lined up getting milk were replaced with woman. This has bad news all over it. Women who are deperate for money are going to deprive themselves of nutrition.. this is completely ridiculous!!

Posted by: Abbey Robertson | September 26, 2008 11:21 AM

Wonder if this line of taught would be comparable to eat human stakes?

By the end of the day, after working, running, sweating, playing, I just have to accept I'm an animal.

Posted by: Mexican | September 26, 2008 11:27 AM

I think this is so silly also and don't take it seriously. If people believe this to be true then they also believe that male bovines have utters like the ones in the cartoon movie "Barnyard". That I found far more distrubing because I can't believe the adults who were involved in producing that movie would let it go public with out consulting a zoo, farmer, or their high school biology teacher.

Posted by: Aura | September 26, 2008 11:36 AM

I admire Peta's efforts on so many fronts, but when a preposterous idea such as using human breast milk for ice cream is proposed, so much credibility is lost. Please stick to areas that can actually be influenced and battles that can be won.

Posted by: Stephanie Bianca | September 26, 2008 12:12 PM

What a stupid comment, to come from such a wonderful organization!

Posted by: Jim | September 26, 2008 12:13 PM

I get the point that PETA is trying to make, and I agree with that intended point, but I find this idea actually detrimental to the argument. If we, as vegans, are trying to make people aware that cows' milk is not for people, let alone grown-up people, the suggestion of using human milk just doesn't logically illustrate that. The correlation between stealing a cow baby's food and stealing a human baby's food makes this idea hypocritical.
I don't want to drink ANYONE'S milk. To me, the thought of drinking juice from an animal's body (and people are animals) is revolting, so the thought that it might have come from the lady down the street just doesn't rectify that.
This idea is stupid and embarrassing. Purely Decadent makes a line of soy ice cream that is indistinguishable from the real thing, so there's absolutely no reason to put out ridiculous suggestions like this.

Posted by: Laura | September 26, 2008 12:25 PM

OMFG WTF JFC!!!!!!!

Posted by: ZACK | September 26, 2008 12:36 PM

STOP THE MADNESS...THIS IS A THOUGHT PROVOKING JOKE - IT IS ALL ABOUT EXPLOITING AND DRINKING ANOTHER MOM'S MILK (HUMAN OR COW). GET A CLUE!

Sorry about the all caps, but I felt the need to grab some attention.

Posted by: Derek, MD | September 26, 2008 12:53 PM

Where in heavens name do these people come from that work for PETA?
Cows NEED to be milked EVERY day - if not they develop mestitis. This is part of being a milk cow. If you don't milk them, you are hurting them! It's not like the are being killed or harmed for their milk.
I think that PETA does great things toward protecting animals from being killed or abused but, come on this is over the top.
If you don't want to drink cows milk, then don't, that's your choice, but a milk cow needs to be milked every day unless they have a calf that is nursing! GOOD GRIEF!!

Posted by: PMW | September 26, 2008 01:00 PM

Don't you think there are more important things to concentrate on.

Posted by: scott steeves | September 26, 2008 01:36 PM

what is wrong with you people! that is an absurd idea...and in your article...you say that cows are impregnated every 9 months? that's not possible because you cannot impregnate a cow that's still pregnant! and those are cows specifically bred for beef.
DAIRY cows are bred to be constant milk producers no matter if they're pregnant or not...and are VERY well taken care of. it's cruel NOT to milk them because of the size their udder gets and the discomfort...NOT pain...it causes. Milking makes them feel better.
Also...I would love to know where you are going to find enough willing women that will allow you to breast pump them constantly to make this disgusting ice cream? you do know that it'll never market, right?

Posted by: Kayla | September 26, 2008 01:48 PM

Um, also, logical question - if Ben and Jerry's were to use human breast milk in their ice cream, how is that Vegan? That to - suffice to say, still uses animal by-products - OURS.

Posted by: mel | September 26, 2008 01:54 PM

What happens to all the cows that we have bred to produce milk constantly? I'm sure many women will confess to the painfullness of milk buildup in the breast, so should we just let this milk go to waste or should we leave them in pain? Why not focus on the conditions that the dairy cows are subjected to and promoting awaremess or possible consequences of giving your child cow milk.

This is a terribly thought out idea that has brought my level of respect for this organization down significantly.

Posted by: Loreli Peace | September 26, 2008 02:17 PM

have people lost what is left of their minds! cows have been bred to give milk for a long time and if a cow is not milked 2x a day put in great pain. besides have tried milk substitutes(such as soy and rice) that make me want to hurl tossed out after 1 sip,what a waste of my money!

Posted by: steve peterson | September 26, 2008 02:18 PM

I totally get the irony of PETA's letter. As a Vegan and LONG TIME supporter of PETA, I must say that if they keep doing things like this, it will undermine past milestones and hinder future ones because nobody will take PETA seriously. People who do not get the irony of PETA's letter will think it's a serious request and write PETA off as a whacked-out organization. PETA has done manygreat things for the animals of this world, let's not do anything to undermine it.

Posted by: Holly | September 26, 2008 02:26 PM

This is the most discusting thing i have ever heard. Eating or drinking some random woman's breast milk that you don't know and have never seen in your life is not only gross but wrong. This idea is so SICK!

Posted by: Lacey Whitehouse | September 26, 2008 03:02 PM

Yes, I don't think PETA was serious about this, it's their typical mildly twisted (but funny) humor. Although it certainly got a good discussion going - 166 comments, and they didn't even use a picture of Britteny Spears!

Rice and soy milk are yummy, try them sometime. Toffutti ice cream is heavenly too.

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | September 26, 2008 03:25 PM

Breast milk was approved for use in switzerland...okay. Good for switzerland?

Before going out and suggesting this to a company like Ben and Jerry's, why not take the initiative to get it approved for use by the FDA first? (That is if they would even concider it, when you bring up the fact of food safety, especially with milk. China right now is having enough problems with milk, and that is not taking into account that humans carry diseases that are transferable via bodily fluids including breast milk, to other humans. Some of which may be dormant. To me, this sounds like a food safety outbreak in the making.)

Following the same mindset, one would ask why we do not eat out recently departed family members as well, as long as we do not kill them.

Not trying to provoke people here, but before you suggest something, it should be legal. I think pushing for rice-milk ice cream, and soy-milk ice cream would have been a MUCH MUCH better, and more acomplishable goal.

I will admit, I would not be turned off by the idea, but it would be better to set the ground work to make it possible before asking someone to do something they legally can not do in the U.S. (I know selling bodily fluids --which breast milk would count-- is illegal in several states, mainly for the purposes of people selling it for drug tests.)

Posted by: Levi Gray | September 26, 2008 04:12 PM

Wow. I can't believe how many people don't get this. I myself find it hilarious. I thought you people would be smarter than that. PETA is trying to make the point that cow's milk is for their calves, as a woman's breast milk is for their babies.
Oh, and to the one's who keep talking about the necessity of milking cows to keep them out of pain... if humans didn't drink the milk and artificially inseminate the cows they wouldn't need to be milked. GET IT?? Hello? Is anybody home?
(that's sarcasm my friends; learn it, love it) :)

Posted by: Philip | September 26, 2008 04:44 PM

I am in disbelief by this suggestion.I have been raised on a ranch all of my life having much knowledge of cattle and milk production areas, and knowing the advantages of bovine milk I think ben & jerry's ice cream is probally not the best food product for your health, but if you don't like it don't consume it. Also it is ,by no means,CRUEL to milk a cow! Actually it is cruel to not milk a cow. If you dont milk the cow its utters will swell and not be able to produce more and by that the calf would not have milk.

Posted by: Turner Oklahoma FFA | September 26, 2008 04:59 PM

if the cows are forceabally bred to get the milk then wouldn't be some nice ladys job to get pregnant just to be milked. beside how are you going to ask someone if they want to give milk for use in ice cream. '' Hello im from ben and jerrys i understand that you have recentally given birth can i milk you to make ice cream'' milking cows is not wrong or cruel and the doctor you got your information from was probally looking at the finished ice cream product which will of course cause obesity.the only thing this will accomplish is dairy cows that can't walk because their udder is to big because the calf is the only one dinking from don't drink enough. so if this persist and if i where ben and jerrys i would press charges for harassment and if i were a women i would press charges for sexuall harassment.

Posted by: jake of oklahoma ffa | September 26, 2008 05:11 PM

How can PETA persuade and educate the mainstream about animal rights when they are suggesting eating ice cream made of human breast milk. This campaign won't be effective.

Posted by: Kathleen | September 26, 2008 06:26 PM

I cannot believe how most of you people are seriously "disgusted" and "grossed out" by the thought of drinking breast milk. Are you crazy!? You're drinking milk that comes from a cow... A COW! How could you think that drinking milk that comes from a different species is perfectly fine... but drinking milk that comes from our own species is just unthinkable.
You really need to think about how stupid you're being.

Not to mention the fact that of course PETA doesnt want to line the pregnant women up and strap 'em in and pump their breast milk, they are just trying to show you how messed up it is to drink cows milk, and how if not soy or rice or some other thing (because people have this thing where they also think THAT is gross) we should be drinking humans milk, if only for the fact that it is from our own species.

Posted by: Dianne | September 26, 2008 07:02 PM

This is so nasty!! Where are they going to get all of it? This has got to be one of the nastest things that PETA has done!

Posted by: brittany | September 26, 2008 07:26 PM

Obviously, they'd pasteurize the breast milk, so you wouldn't get sick from it or anything. And breastmilk tastes good, really sweet. I'm nursing twins, so if B&J's decides to go with this, I've got some to spare ;)

Posted by: Angel | September 26, 2008 07:45 PM

IT'S A JOKE, PEOPLE! Wake up.

Posted by: anais | September 26, 2008 08:53 PM

Well, its a good idea if companies used alternatives for milk, but using human breast milk would exploit the female population. we already exploit animals and their well beings. we shouldn't continue it. women have enough burden in society.

Posted by: mariah | September 26, 2008 10:15 PM

As the breastfeeding mother of a 13 month old I really can't believe that you actually suggested this to an ice cream maker. What about the thousands of children who NEED donated breastmilk? Do you care more for a cow and the general consumer of Ben & Jerry's ice cream than for infants who really need the breastmilk to get their lives off to a great start? I'm really suprised and disgusted. I applaud their response to you, mine wouldn't have been so nice.

Posted by: Cassie | September 26, 2008 10:28 PM

Can you kindly tell me who is going to supply the milk?? perhaps the women at peta would like to?

Posted by: Empello | September 27, 2008 12:40 AM

Take away the use of the dairy cow and what will they do to them? That's a lotta cows being sent to the slaugter house.

Posted by: L | September 27, 2008 01:00 AM

ewwwwwww datz disgustin :|

Posted by: aiysh | September 27, 2008 03:22 AM

You guys obviously don't think things completely through. FIRST B&J ice creme is probably the most expensive on the market. With your new idea proposal their would be an increased price for the monitoring of disease. Which would probably make a pint of ice creme $50 considering a single women cannot produce as much milk as dairy cow.

Posted by: Joe John | September 27, 2008 04:10 AM

My cat drinks milk. But upon drinking it...Lets just say it makes a messy kitty litter.

People are the only species that is not lactose intolerant. And to put it in better perspective, a majority of people in the world ARE lactose intolerant!

Basing being lactose intolerant dependent on our genes, we who are not lactose intolerant are the only ones genetically capable of drinking and processing milk after infancy. Scientifically, it's not disgusting.

But why are we so opinionated about this subject of humans drinking milk, when the focus needs to be on preventing cows from being inhumanely milked.

If it's humanely done (rarely the case, even with so called organic milk), then it's ok. I have used milk from a cow that "needed it"--after having the calf is weened and the mother still producing milk. In fact, there is a period where a cow still needs milked so it's udders aren't in pain...And it's inhumane not to milk them.

PETA's main effort is helping animals. Stop going off topic. It gives you bad publicity in which PETA is a good organization.

I demand an apology, along with a solution. Like using avacado's along with rice/soy milk to remove milk from the equation all-together. That's what PETA's goal is anyways, isn't it?

The apology I demand is a professional one. The best way to get good publicity is through good a apology. Lets get some good publicity to a good organization.

Oh. And first one who produces a good recipe wins (in PETA, you win the satisfaction of helping an animal which is being overly abused)...

Posted by: anonamous... | September 27, 2008 06:03 AM

leave the cows alone and drink your own milk or go vegan

Posted by: Paige | September 27, 2008 11:26 AM

but imagine the assemblyline...

oh my, its a god send...

and I would have my resume there in a second....

Posted by: dean | September 27, 2008 02:39 PM

I agree with Crystal. I feel that it is not humane or kind of us as human beings to keep expecting cows to keep up with our palates for ice cream, cheese and other milk products. HOWEVER, there is a great substitute called soy. Maybe you've heard of it? The idea of drinking or eating something made from human breast's milk is appalling, unethical, disgusting and unsanitary. We as vegans, vegetarians and others who eat "restricted" diets have enough to deal with with people laughing at our beliefs or thinking we are "wacked out" enough sometimes. I definitely do not support using human breast milk for our own consumption. And as a woman, I can say that it is even more disturbing to consider the idea.

Posted by: Jodi | September 27, 2008 03:37 PM

Everybody is whining about $50 pints of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream made with human breast milk. I say hooey! I can get that done for a buck a pint in China. DUH!

Posted by: C.A.Pitalist | September 27, 2008 06:19 PM

Proverbs 5:18-23

Posted by: Todd | September 27, 2008 06:49 PM

what the hell . that is the most ridiculous idea ever.

Posted by: cassandra | September 27, 2008 07:57 PM

I love all the debate that this is producing. Way to go PETA for getting folks to really think about what a lactating cow goes through. My son is 11 months old and it is suggested to switch your child to cow's milk when they turn one year. I litterally had this immage of getting a cow for my back yard for my son to nurse on. Now that is a wierd image, but it is not that far from the truth. Just a thought.

p.s. I heard about this on the George Strombolopous(sp?) show on the CBC in Canada. Nice

Posted by: Sara Jane | September 27, 2008 07:57 PM

I absolutely LOVE animals & am repulsed by cruelty to them. However, after reading your request to Ben & Jerry's, I honestly think you people have totally lost your minds! Have you considered the adverse ramifications of paying women for their breast milk?? Don't you think there will be LOTS of unwanted babies out there because wacko-women decide to get pregnant just to earn money for their breast milk? Or do you ONLY care about animals??? And who will ensure the breast milk is safe, the FDA? That agency that says it's now ok to use CLONED animals as food biproducts?? Come on, PETA, get real! If you have a real issue with milking cows, come up with some VIABLE solution, not something as wacked out as this - you're only going to lose supporters if you don't. And who there has the grudge against Ben & Jerry's anyway?? I'll let you in on a little secret - they aren't the only ones who make ice cream. Again, I say you people must have totally lost your marbles to suggest something as absurd as this.

Posted by: Beth | September 27, 2008 08:20 PM

ditto everybody else, this is crazy. babies are starving in rural contries because they have no milk, its insane to take even more of that for fancy ice cream. btw, EEEWWW!!!!

im all for the rightful treatment of animals, but wouldnt it be better to push for good conditions for the cows than go for brestmilk ice cream?????

Posted by: ZZ | September 27, 2008 08:54 PM

Way to go PETA!!! I applaud you for bringing attention to an issue that has been ignored for far to long. The idea that we should make a defenseless animal suffer instead of using the resources available from our own species is shockingly arrogant. It's time we respect a cow's inherent value and dignity. Milk a woman, not a cow!

Posted by: Daryl | September 27, 2008 09:55 PM

Please.. Just learn how to think your thoughts through. Just think. I support better treatment for animals but Humans are animals too. abolishing cow milk isnt the best option in my opinion Would be better treatment and more reasonable demands of them. Although with that soy would be a better choice by far than Human breast milk. With incredible amounts of demand on milk it would be ridiculous and rather short sighted to just jump to that choice.

Posted by: Yumiko | September 27, 2008 10:40 PM

Sign me up! I need a second job. ;)

Posted by: kelh27 | September 27, 2008 11:00 PM

Wow funny. Pretty ridiculous in this country and in that other country. Do they understand the potential for disaster? Your kids won't be getting just ear infections supposedly from cow's milk but how about deadly diseases from bodily fluids from human milk. Lol lol lol.. funny Peta, funny.

Posted by: Ira | September 27, 2008 11:48 PM

This is either a joke or someone has lost their mind. If you truly care about animals, you might want to lighten up a bit here. This is really, really no way to promote vegetarianism! In the long run it will do more harm than good, embarrassing yourselves and your cause and pissing a lot of people off in the process. How about promoting how good that veggie products have become over the past few years, with a much wider variety of things to choose from? One person, one veggie burger at a time, you know what I mean? It's like the old story of the sun and the wind making a bet who could get the guy to take off his coat. How about instead, promoting the use of non leather shoes and belts etc. How about a reality check by looking what's on your own feet and in your own closet? I understand that many dairy cows and chickens are not properly treated and this is very wrong and farmers should be dealt with big time. But these animals are not giving their lives for milk and eggs! Vegetarians need to get their priorities straight. How about busting McDonald's balls and leave the ice cream dudes alone? I care about animals very much and I hope you people get your act together real soon. I've been through all the "holier than thou" thing, and here's the deal: you can't force people to change their beliefs. They can only do this on their own. All you can do is be a good example and do what you think is right for you. I very much appreciate your concern for animals. Thank you.

Posted by: David | September 28, 2008 03:05 AM

um. just a thought. but wouldn't breast milk still be non-vegan. we are, after all animals, are we not? at the very least, mammals.

btw - super ew.

i can just imagine the next packaged label for B&Js. A pastel colored pint with little babies, bras and boobies printed all over it. They'd have to name it.. Not your momma's ice cream.... oh wait... yes, it is.

Seriously. B&J's already costs way too much for a scoop. I think I'm going to boycott and not purchase their product for a while just for even being stupid enough to write PETA back.

Posted by: Rhonda | September 28, 2008 04:25 AM

If we stopped utilizing bovine products entirely (meat, milk, cheese, butter, leather, etc.) there would be no cows. Who would keep them around?

Posted by: Thomas Porter | September 28, 2008 09:50 AM

I agree-we have way too many critics as it is. When my mom told me this, I was repulsed - not because I love cows milk or want to torture cows, but because the idea is repugnant. Anything could be in human breastmilk - all kinds of diseases including aids, drugs - just disgusting things.

I really hope that peta will stop this whole breatmilk thing because I can not call myself a peta supporter until they do. I'm a vegan, I'm an advocate for animal rights, but this is just too weird and extremely disgusting.

and it begs the question - whats wrong with soy milk???

Posted by: Katherine | September 28, 2008 02:03 PM

Why not use soy milk or rice milk instead, more people would find it appetizing, and you would save the cows, and the human babies.

Posted by: Shana | September 28, 2008 03:03 PM

I agree that this is totally unrealistic as most of you have already pointed out. But it does make a crucial point. Those of you that are saying "our breastmilk is only intended for our babies", think about it . A cow's milk is only intended for hers, but yet we mass produce it, and all of us have consumed it. Just like it is ridiculous for us to even consider using our own milk production for something such as ice cream, it is also ridiculous to use a cow's milk.

Posted by: Justina Hess | September 28, 2008 03:21 PM

I think it isn't a good idea cause people are animals too and by having them give milk for the use of ice cream there taking away from there own ospring.Yah i do support you peta but i think you when a little over board with this tim cause by changing the recipe you change the taste of the ice cream too.I tink that ben and Jerry should make ice cream out of soy instead of human milk...

Posted by: Brittany Mallette | September 28, 2008 05:09 PM

Have you guys missed agriculture education?! You people need some serious help! Think of it this way, a cow gives way more milk than six human women a day. They are "forcefully impregnated" every nine months because most people eat beef and drink milk. If we were all like you the earth would be overran with animals.
Its people like you who are running farmers like us out of business! First that small farms create as much exhaust as Houston and now this.It is crazy! You guys need to see a real farm. We do not produce anymore smog than you do, we do not beat animals, and we set in school learning how the uneducated people are hurting our american agriculture.The livestock that we raise are not mistreated. Sure we don't see them as pets, but they are the way we make a living! We can't take them out back and beat them. We would be losing money!
American agriculture provides most of the worlds food source. Everyone else seems to appreiciate us but you. No wonder less than three percent of americans are farmers. Even our american public does not suport us.
Think of it this way, we also produce the cotton in your clothes, the veggies that you eat(since I doubt you eat the meat we produce after seeing this) and even the wood for your homes! And you repay us like this!
Send your kids to agriculture education. Thats obviously something you guys missed out on!

Posted by: Hayley | September 28, 2008 05:31 PM

Are you kidding me? Seriously PETA, this is just crossing the line. Breastmilk is FATTY. It's made to help children grow fast, and strong.

And I wouldn't want anyone but my child to be drinking/eating my breast milk, much less would I enjoy eating someone elses.

Posted by: Jennifer | September 28, 2008 09:20 PM

So... what, are you going to impregnate human mothers instead of cows? I'm sure there would be plenty of women that support that idea........I highly doubt you would get enough "volunteered" human breast milk to produce all the ice cream that Ben&Jerry's does.

Posted by: Jeremy | September 28, 2008 09:53 PM

I agree with Hayley, you people seriously need to go to a farm. I am not a farmer myself, but I live near many dairy farms. These cows get treated very well, have plenty of space and I have never seen them being mistreated in anyway.

I am all for animals being treated right. If someone doesn't treat their animals correctly they should be taken away. And I don't have a problem with vegetarianism. It is one of many healthy diets.

Now what I am about to say will anger many of you. Has anyone here actually thought about what cows are good for? They eat hay, and produce beef, dairy, leather, and manure. Three of the four PETA is against, the other one can be found in many more places. So what would happen if we stopped using cows?

Posted by: Christopher | September 28, 2008 10:23 PM

This story made it to SNL's 'Weekend Update'. Seth Meyers reported it with the same condescending air of disgust of some of the posters here who completely miss the point.

Posted by: lynda downie | September 29, 2008 12:20 AM

Hans Lochen, the owner of the restaurant in Switzerland that this speaks of, tried his wife's breast milk in some recipes which were never produced for public consumption. As soon as he began advertisements in order to get the breast milk for the dishes, Swiss authorities stepped in and informed him that he could not feed human breast milk to people. Seriously PETA, do some research on the laws and the actual reality of situations.

Posted by: Adam | September 29, 2008 12:20 AM

I like the claim that we are the only species on the planet that drink milk from another species. While this is entirely false, it does bring up an interesting thought. Can anyone think of a single species where an adult drinks the milk from another member of the same species? I mean, do we see adult cats drinking cats milk? Do we see adult cows drinking cows milk? I don't think so.

Posted by: Adam | September 29, 2008 12:31 AM

I love cows, as much as I do all animals, but this idea just doesn't sit with me. Soy milk or something plant derived sounds better.

First of all, where are you going to get that much booby milk? Are you going to set up a breast milk factory and impregnate women? How is this better than cows? You have no way of controlling the conditions these women would face.
Or are you going to prey on new mothers who have given their children up for adoption or who have lost their babies at birth or a young age? That's heartless.
Or are you going to give women hormones to trick their bodies into thinking they are pregnant and need to produce milk? Do you know what those kinds of hormones could do to a woman?

The idea is interesting, but it is never going to happen. PETA needs to think of something that the world is ready to accept. It is not ready for this.

Posted by: Susan | September 29, 2008 02:41 AM

Uhh are you mental!? I know you have good intentions, but that's INSANE! Asides from the others mentioning the price, Breast milk would not be able to make "good" ice cream. Not just because of the shock value, but there's a certain amount of milkfat that's needed to make ice cream.... which isn't in breast milk. Excuse me, I'm going to puke.

Posted by: Landfill | September 29, 2008 12:16 PM

This is the one of the most rediculous ideas I have ever heard! Who dreams this stuff up? I can only imagine the production line! This is crude to human beings and realistically impossible, not to mention side effects that might come of this! Hopefully, this is a cry for attention from the media, I guess? Crazy!!!

Posted by: Robert | September 29, 2008 03:12 PM

How would ice cream or any other dish qualify as vegan when humans are mammals?

Posted by: Unbelieving | September 29, 2008 03:18 PM

personally i think milk in general is gross. milk should only be consumed by infants and the milk they consume should be of their own species. i think it would be beneficial if ben and jerry's switched to soy milk because it would be healthier for people and the environment, plus i do believe it would be cheaper to manufacture thus being better for the economy as well.

Posted by: jess | September 29, 2008 04:04 PM

I have been a big follower of PETA for years. As it is there are people that are against PETA, so why are you lowering the credibility that this organization has built up during the years? There are far more important topics to worry about than making ice cream out of breast milk. I'm disappointed at this proposal and wish you guys would reconsider because a lot of people that respected PETA before are just laughing at this... Please use common sense and ask for something more realistic and smart, use rice or soy milk.

Posted by: C L | September 29, 2008 04:32 PM

Why don't some of you get the irony in asking Ben & Jerry's to use human breast milk?? Rather than taking this literally how about looking at the point PETA is trying to make. Human Milk = food for humans. Cow Milk = food for cows. Duh.

Posted by: Jonanna Banana | September 29, 2008 04:36 PM

Although I too have confusion as to why humans drink the mammary fluids of many animals, (and eat the reproductive cells of several others,) I wonder: if a calf is left with its dairy-breed mother, she has been bred for an excess of milk production. Genetically programmed to overdrive. What happens when her calf is full, and so is her udder? Pain,and infection. I know.

Posted by: TJ | September 29, 2008 06:02 PM

That is real intellectual comment Banana. It obvious you spent a lot of time and research before giving us your thoughts.

Posted by: Robert | September 29, 2008 06:29 PM

my question is why are u guys messing with ben & jerry ? there are alot more ice cream companys out there & plenty of milk companys out there . So why ben & jerry ? I understand some of your points & ideas but this makes no sense

Posted by: jason hileman | September 29, 2008 07:10 PM

Ben and Jerry's is owned by Unilever, right? So does not matter to me if they went vegan, I still would NOT support them.

Posted by: XIXI | September 29, 2008 07:29 PM

Read what happened in the end of the book "Grapes of Wrath" the most unselfish compasionate act I have ever read about concerning a starving man saved by a young mother donating her breast milk.

Posted by: Robert D Poe | September 29, 2008 08:28 PM

You have to be insane to even think people would want to voluntarily drink strange womens breast milk. How about the unknown diseases they may carry? Not to mention the cruelty to the female race on this. Lets think of it this way....would a man like to use a milking machine to donate sperm?

Posted by: Mary from Iowa | September 29, 2008 08:28 PM

Umm, the vice president of PETA needs to check her lactation facts. A cow — or any other mammal — does not have to be forcefully impregnated every nine months to keep producing milk. It's the act of milking the cow — either by a baby cow, by hand, or by milking machinery — that keeps the milk flowing. Any breastfeeding mother could have told Ms. Reiman this. I certainly was not forcefully impregnated when my breastfed son turned nine months old, and magically, the good stuff kept a-coming. Just FYI.

Posted by: Shirley Grace | September 30, 2008 10:34 AM

I normally would support things like this, but it seems a bit too extreme to ask a mother to use her own milk. It would have been less odd just to ask them to use soy milk-- when it's not plain, it tastes just about the same.

Posted by: Hazel | September 30, 2008 02:35 PM

First off, the idea of using breast milk for ice cream is absolutely absurd. If you really think about it, humans are animals so wouldn't it be unethical to use breast milk as opposed to cows milk?

Breast milk is used for feeding your child and that is the main purpose of it. Cows milk is used for the making of dairy products because it makes sense. Breast milk for doing such things does not make sense.

The process of using breast milk for this would require a lenghtly process more complicated than using cows milk and in some sense is seen as unethical considering what the woman would have to do to give breast milk.

Come on, either way it makes no sense. This is something that would not be accecpted.

Posted by: brewcrew | September 30, 2008 07:56 PM

Jonanna Banana
You summed it up precisely and beautifully!

Posted by: lynda downie | September 30, 2008 11:39 PM

I'm all for treating animals kindly, but this is ridiculous. Human breast milk is for babies. There's nothing wrong with raising animals for human consumption. Slaughtering them for sport is what gets me riled up. I happen to be diabetic. I can't eat carbs. If I didn't eat protein-meat, cheese, etc, I would starve.

Posted by: Barak Geertsen | September 30, 2008 11:54 PM

Ok folks has anyone figured out that this is a joke? Of course PETA isn't suggesting we use breast milk for ice cream. They're simply pointing out that using cow's milk is as ridiculous as using breast milk. Soy, rice, or any other plant alternative is the way to go. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Alex | September 30, 2008 11:55 PM

I hate it when breastfeeding is given a bad name and inaccurate info is spread worldwide.
Breastmilk will be produced after pregnancy as long as the child keeps nursing regularly. The milk stops because the child stops. We don't actually need milk once we are weaned we just choose to use cows milk because it's easier than trying to meet nutritional needs other ways.

Posted by: Maureen | October 1, 2008 11:21 AM

I'm all for breast milk for babies, but there are lots of issues that apparently not been thought of. First of all, everything that a mother consumes is passed through the breast milk. This poses significant risks to individuals with food allergies Are these women going to be fed a specific allergen-free diet? Probably not. Are these women going to be tested REGULARLY for drugs and HIV? I would hope so. Cow's milk is a known entity. We know what they are fed. We know if they were given drugs (read labels and be informed, people!) If you want dairy-free ice cream, there are some really good options already out there. Soy and Rice ice cream as well as sorbet, which is mainly fruit. I would never purchase breast milk or a product made from breast milk, not because it is "yucky" but because I have a child with serious food allergies and I need to know exactly what is in the food I serve. Breast milk is a great unknown. We know it is good for babies, but buying and selling other people's breast milk could be downright dangerous. Oh, and because things are passed through breast milk, casein and whey (products of cow's milk) are present in breast milk if the mother consumes ANYTHING that has milk in it. This is not limited to drinking milk and eating yogurt and cheese. It is remarkable what other products have milk in it that you never would realize until and unless you have to know.

Posted by: kcajgem | October 1, 2008 11:23 AM

Wow.. I'm pretty sure this was a JOKE.. The point was that if people think it's gross/weird to have adults drinking breast milk or having breast milk ice cream they should realize that it's also gross/weird to have them drinking COW's milk! I can not believe that hardly any of the people who commented realized this.

Posted by: Bethany | October 1, 2008 12:40 PM

I like the idea but I think this is not going to work because how many women are going to give breast milk to ben and jerry's.

Posted by: Eli Sadoff | October 1, 2008 05:58 PM

How much are they willing to pay me for my breastmilk is what I want to know? LOL. Heck yeah I would cash in on that! With the economy the way it is right now I bet a lot of stay at home moms would love to be able to sell their breastmilk. Although I must be honest, I don't think I would eat the ice cream. And for those who say that womens babies would be neglected and starve. Breastmilk is produced by supply and demand, there would be plenty left for our babies.

Posted by: chelle | October 1, 2008 06:13 PM

As a breastfeeding mother of a 1 year old, with 2 other children that were also breastfed, I really don't find the humor in PETA's comments. I don't find being compared to a cow anything to laugh at or joke about. I struggled to nurse all of my babies in the beginning, changed my diet with each of them for their sensitive stomachs, went through bouts of mastitis, and knew that through all of it I was giving my child the best food possible. That cannot be compared to a cow, who only needs to be impregnanted once to produce milk, NOT every 9 months. When I nursed my children until their 2nd birthdays it was because of supply and demand, not because I became pregnant again. As long as a child is taking the milk, a mother's body will continue to produce it. Same with a cow or any mammal. There must have been some better way to prove your point, and still, not everyone will agree with it. I certainly don't.

Posted by: Jaclin | October 1, 2008 08:02 PM

I think breast milk is a good thing (BUT I ALSO Think it is a bad thing) it is good for babies but not good for older children or adults. I myself thnk that if using Breat milk should be explaind in full (for babies only)and cows milk should be used for adult and older children. That way we are all safe

Posted by: BabyJack | October 1, 2008 08:29 PM

I'm not so sure that this is a great idea. No one would know who the milk came from, and the person who donated could have some disease. Also, us humans aren't huge breast milk producers, and breast milk can only be donated by nursing mothers (I think). This would take away valuable milk that a baby might need. I do think that cows should be treated better though.

Posted by: Brian | October 1, 2008 10:18 PM

Your comment to ben&jerry's about using breast milk instead of cow milk makes no sense. I get that you want to reduce cow milk consumption because it causes health problems to a person, and the cow giving milk continuously is unhealthy to the cow. It is a win-win. But why propose to put a human woman in that position? Is that healthy for the woman? Why not write a letter promoting soy milk? Think. PETA made itself look foolish by making that statement. Not everyone would take it as a joke.

Posted by: karen | October 1, 2008 10:45 PM

First of all eww. Second of all since this is a human product then it seems unless there is a loophole the FDA would have to pass aproval of its production for consumption. Just like any human derived product that is ingested or injected into the body the person injesting would have to sign a consent form since there is a possiblity of disease transmission HIV being the top one that comes to mind. The testing of the breast milk for transmittable diseases and screening would be like that of blood and considering a unit of blood costs somewhere around $100, which is 500mls or half a liter. It seems to me the risk of the consumer and the cost of the product would out weigh the supposed benefit.

Posted by: lab tech | October 1, 2008 11:19 PM

I support PETA in their efforts to abolish animal cruelty. But this is the craziest idea. I believe in humane treatment of all animals, not substituting the abuse of cows, so women can be degraded and treated inhumanely. Was this a man's idea? It just sounds, so thoughtless. This idea will probably discourage women from breast feeding their own children, when they will be compared to cows. The whole idea is so appalling.

Posted by: Joanne | October 2, 2008 09:50 AM

I love the idea. Hey, why even include the middle man B and J. Lets all just do some nursing as soon as possible.

I am game.

Posted by: Dean | October 2, 2008 10:46 AM

Why not suggest they make vegan soy "ice cream" - a vegan bakery near me makes soft serve soy and it is delicious and inexpensive and cruelty-free!(and not as controversial as breast milk)

Posted by: lauren kelly | October 2, 2008 10:49 AM

In total agreement with kcajgem!

Posted by: lauren | October 2, 2008 10:59 AM

In total agreement with kcajgem!

Posted by: lauren | October 2, 2008 10:59 AM

I think the point of this article is not literally for Ben & Jerry's to use breast milk to make their ice cream, but to bring to light how horrible cow's milk is for humans, and what they have to suffer to please us humans. We wouldn't forcefully impregnate human women for their milk, so why should we do that to a cow? Niether deserves that cruel treatment. Another thing...Why say 'ewww' to human breast milk? Didn't you once drink that as a baby? You should rather say 'ewww' to COW's milk...blood, pus, infection, hormones....EWW. I'll stick to Soy/Rice milk, and there are plenty of options for delicious vegan 'ice cream'.

Posted by: Laurie | October 2, 2008 01:21 PM

I don't really agree with the breast milk thing.
Maybe Ben & Jerrys should try soymilk.
I think that would be WAY better than breast milk and cow milk.
But using breast milk is really gross.
..but so is cow milk.

Posted by: Kenzie | October 2, 2008 04:50 PM

Drinking somebody elses breast milk is just disgusting, it would have been a better idea if you suggested ben and jerry's to go vegan, and use soy milk. how would breast milk from a woman be any better than a cow's?

Posted by: Jean | October 2, 2008 06:16 PM

You can't make ice cream from breast milk. There isn't enough cream in it. As for drinking it. I would buy all I could. It is delicious. A little too sweet, but light and refreshing. MMmmmmm!

Posted by: doveguy | October 2, 2008 08:24 PM

I believe that Ben and Jerry's should go vegan, but I don't think breast milk is the way to go. It is unsanitary and I personally would not buy a food product that contains human breast milk. Soy is a great alternative that makes animals and humans happy. GO SOY!!!!!

Posted by: Cambria | October 2, 2008 08:43 PM

Why is being compared to an animal a bad thing? Only because people look at animals in a negative light. I love cows, I think they are amazing, loving creatures.

Posted by: Bethany Karn | October 3, 2008 11:37 AM

Ok, so this is an attention getter for PETA, but to me it is in poor taste. Breastmilk from a human is considered a "boldily fluid" therefore subject to the transmission of STD's. To me, that is not to be taken lightly.

Posted by: Margo Fetzing | October 3, 2008 02:12 PM

So....are we going to start paying an ungodly amount of women to get pregnant just to produce the amount of breast milk that would be needed for Ben & Jerry's to pull this off? Cause I mean..I'm just a moter of two and all...but at last check, the only time I produced breast milk was after I had a baby. I'm a vegetarian and I'm all about animal rights, but this just seems wrong an so many levels, let alone disgusting. Ben and Jerry's statement "a mother's milk is best used for her child" is exactly the truth. The only time a woman makes it is when the life that is groing inside her is about to breath its first breath of air. To me that says "my body is making this for this child and this child alone." Not for freaken New York Chocolate Chunk Icecream.

Posted by: Angie | October 3, 2008 02:46 PM

I am a vegan and I do think it is wrong to drink the breast milk of another species but I must say, as has already been posted here, CATS DO IT ALL THE TIME! So will my dog and many other animals if I offer cows milk to them. Good thought, bad argument. The only reason they don't do it in nature is because it isn't available to them. Tofu dogs aren't available to me in nature, but I still eat them all the time...

Posted by: mle | October 3, 2008 03:55 PM

Angie said:
"my body is making this for this child and this child alone"

That's the point, your body is making milk for just your baby. And a mother cow's body is making milk just for her baby.

Posted by: lynda downie | October 3, 2008 11:59 PM

This is embarrassing. I am a proud PETA supporter but this is just ridiculous. PETA PR department...where are you and what were you thinking with this one? Someone said it best in a previous comment - we want PETA to be taken seriously. Even my vegetarian friends think this idea - breast milk in ice cream - is disgusting. Please - fight for things worth fighting for in the future.

Posted by: Jamee | October 4, 2008 12:29 AM

You guys do good work in the field of protecting animals and displaying the cruelty of particular companies' methods of slaughtering and processing.

However, this has to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard of in my entire life. My work in public servies has shown me that the human race is indeed the dirtiest species on the face of the planet. The mammories of lactaing women is the last place I want my ice cream to come from.

Posted by: Benny | October 4, 2008 01:47 PM

A good friend of mine showed me an artical in the newspaper and I could not believe that anyone would think that using breast milk was a great idea ...I can`t even think of how anyone could think of that. Yes respect animals and respect the environment, but getting a woman pregnant just to get the breast milk INSTEAD OF GIVING IT TO THE CHILD!!! whoever had the idea first about all this needs ...... these periods are not saying that you should getting an award if you do I hope you get beat upside the head many,many times

Posted by: matthew | October 4, 2008 06:10 PM

How are there so many idiots all in one place? Please people, read through it again, PETA was NOT REALLY promoting the use of breast milk in ice cream! It was a way to point out the absolute ridiculousness in using cow milk. Read through your own arguments and outrage and you will see the point they are making. Someone said breast milk is too high in fats and cholesterol for adults-true for cow's milk. Horrible to think of women lining up to be pumped? Same for cows. Passage of disease and drugs? Ditto. The overall message seems to be 'human milk is for human babies only!; Well, DUH people cow milk is for calves! Anyone ever trying reading Swift? Get off the internet, go to the library,and read a master's work of satire. Quit thinking quite so literally and realize this was meant to highlight the hypocrisy of drinking milk from another animal when you won't drink it from a member of your own species.

Posted by: Suri | October 5, 2008 01:08 AM

Well, at first it sounds gross, but what about women whose babies were um stillborn? The milk goes to waste! And, what if the beforementioned women eat meat? Then we'd be drinking meat! EEW.

Posted by: e | October 5, 2008 02:36 AM

Alright, I think PETA has forgotten that humans fall under the mammal kingdom. So, not only would ice cream be cannibalistic because you're eating what humans have produced, it would also still be the use of animal products. Besides I do believe PETA has taken animal rights a bit too far, and to this I say, "My breast is here for what is was meant for, to feed my baby." I will also say this too, "If animals weren't meant to be eaten.. they would all be poisonous."

Posted by: Anon | October 5, 2008 12:24 PM

i think soy or rice milk would be a better idea i think drinking milk from a cow is gross and cruel but i also think its gross to drink milk from a woman , and verry unrealistic where are you gonna find a woman willing for you to milk her for a pint ?

Posted by: susan | October 5, 2008 06:53 PM

I will agree human breast milk is a silly idea, but I see why you guys did it. It was just to show that the reasons that we shouldn't use cow's milk are the same reasons why we wouldn't use human milk. Peta didn't really want human breast milk in Ben and Jerry's they just wanted to show why cow's milk is a bad idea. Oh, and also a message to all you people who would rather have a calf not get milk than a human baby: stop being so arrogant! Cows and humans are equals. In some ways were lower just because we go around destroying the environment and killing each other.

Posted by: Em | October 6, 2008 05:37 PM

I think SOY would be just fine for ice cream. However, you have to remember not only is drinking cows milk unatural but, so is drinking human milk. (After the weening anyway) Plus, Where is all that breat milk going to come from?

Posted by: Scarlet | October 6, 2008 11:02 PM

I think people are missing the point. Its not that PETA really wants Ben and Jerry's to use breast milk it is that they are trying to point out how absurd it is to use another species milk for anything. Breastmilk IceCream would not be vegan as it still has animal product in it. Just dump Ben and Jerry's and go get some RiceDream.
Peace to All.

Posted by: Sean | October 7, 2008 11:46 AM

humans might be the only animals to drink milk after weaning, but there are a lot of animals that would if they could! (ie; cats) the only reason they don't is cause mom chases them off when they develop teeth! I have seen adolescent cats try to nurse from a nursing cat. They will if allowed. Not having opposable thumbs and control of their environment tends to slow one down! Le leche would suggest breast feeding a child until kindergarten or so. We (as people) have more of a problem with breast milk more because breasts have a sexual connotation than what comes out of them.(in fact, while most men like the look of milk engorged breasts, leaking milk is a distinct turn off during "other" activites) As for being the only "animals" that drink milk, we're also the only ones that drive and pay taxes! We're the only ones with air conditioning and TV's. we're the only ones who support choosing the well being of another species over their own. I agree that as "masters" of the domain, we have a obligation to take care of our world and all within it, but I also believe that humans are in a different class than other animals. I'll rethink my position when (as a species) cows can manipulate their environment to the same level as the neadrethal man (and even he died out from natural selection!) People are meant to be omnivores (so are bears and I haven't noticed PeTA going after them!) Our bodies have inbred desire for a multifaceted diet. That does not mean that we should be cruel about it. I do think we are excessive about our use of animals and it should be curbed, but too many advancements in the health and well-being of the human race has been advanced because of animals. Maybe it sounds wrong to promote human well-beiing over that of an animal, but it happens in the wild all the time. i don't see the lion crying over the zebra. he needs to eat, the zebra was there. ditto for my survival and the survival of my species.

Posted by: annie | October 8, 2008 02:32 AM

I am not a vegan, but I do tend towards a vegetarian diet ( I really like vegetables). I have never looked hard at this site because i think that having the ability to manipulate our environment does give us the right to do so. But with that comes a responsibility or the consequences if we ignore it. (ie: our declining environment from our ancestors lack of foresight). We have to draw a line somewhere on what is allowable. One person posted about if we save the cows, do we save the insects next? If we all stopped eating meat, what about wildlife management? One of the reasons licenses are given to shoot deer etc is because if they overbreed, they will starve to death in the winter. If we feed them excess, then what do we do with urban sprawl? do we practice controlling our population growth so we can allow them to grow uncontrolled? If we all stopped eating cows tomarrow, what would we do with the ones we have now? to control wildlife populations do we give them birth control? what about their right to choose? where do we draw a line in how we "interefere" with the environment?

Posted by: annie | October 8, 2008 02:50 AM

Peta,

I understand that you are trying to make a point but this is insane. Breast milk can save babies lives. And not to mention it is very hard to make! Has anyone at PETA ever breastfed a baby? Clearly not or this article would have never made it on the website. Any extra breast milk should be donated to sick infants that truly need it to live. As a mother this article was very upsetting. Also I think something this crazy takes away a lot of respect some people had for PETA. And for people who already think PETA is crazy and goes over board, you just gave them more reasons to believe that. You did a lot of harm to your cause.

I am very disappointed.

Posted by: Michelle | October 8, 2008 03:01 PM

Hello-I haven't drank cows milk in years and am perfectly healthy and do not miss it at all! I drink soy-are there any ice cream products that use soy?

Posted by: Virginia O. Van Wert | October 8, 2008 03:05 PM

You can find soy ice cream in the "organic" section of almost any major food store and at health food stores. If PeTA promotes animal welfare, where do they stand on the issue of honeybees? Is that "inhumane" too? The major problem with soy is that soy has high levels of estrogen (the same kinds as in hormone replacement therapy) and has strong links to breast, uterine and cervical cancer. People who have had these kinds of cancer should avoid all kinds of soy (which is more prevelent than one may imagine). I think that is why people were made to be omnivores. Too much of any "one" thing frequently shows (eventually) to be "bad". Balance and moderation in all things. What is the recommendation for people who can't use soy as a replacement? And what about people who have metabolic disorders such as PKU (a disease where they can't tolerate gluten, which severely limits their food options). If we shouldn't eat meat, or use animal products, what is the solution for people who can't use these products and meat and animal sources are their best option for sufficient intake? Is eating animals and animal products only OK if the only other option is malnutrition and death? If so, then there is a difference between animals and humans. If this is so, then we need to expend our time and resources towards the quick and "humane" way of doing this since between cancer precautions and metabolic disorders, there are hundreds of thousands of people who would be malnourished or at an increased risk of death if they were vegans. Where does PeTA stand in the human life vs animal? I am not being sarcastic; I really am curious. I know that question gets put out frequently, but usually with sarcasm. There are thousands of people who are "tube-fed" because they cannot eat food properly (choking hazard, inability to swallow, etc) Most formulas are milk based which is helpful because the high amount of protein, carbs and fat per ounce (which helps calves to grow quickly) gives them enough energy to live. Other formulas may not do this if their diagnosis is not compatible with soy alternatives. So if hundreds of thousands of people need animal based products, who will we choose to "play God" with? Will your answer be the same if next week you mother, child, loved one is one of those people who's life is dependent on that of animal products or byproducts? Or will you save a cow instead of a child?

Posted by: annie | October 8, 2008 06:36 PM

YIKES!!! I didn't mean to put that I agree with kcajgem - I read the wrong comment. My mistake! Some people just don't put 2 and 2 together - if it's gross to drink breast milk from a human, doesn't that mean it would be gross to drink a cow's breast milk? It's silly that people are thinking how sad it would be to take breast milk from a baby but what about all the calves who are taken from their mothers and the mother cows who lose their babies in order to be pumped full of hormones and produce milk for ignorant human consumers. Cows have feelings, the mother cow misses her baby and the baby misses its mom. Dairy cows are kept in horrible conditions and are mistreated and do not have any pleasure in life. People need to ba aware that they are HURTING in order to produce milk. Please people, stop giving your money to factory farming, factory dairies and switch to soy! It's the humane AND healthy thing to do!!! Plus if you are drinking cow milk you are drinking pus and blood. That makes soy look even better.

Posted by: lauren kelly | October 9, 2008 11:11 AM

I get the point of not turning Cows into endentured servants... you stated the cows are forcibly impregnated so they produce more milk. Is this how we will get human milk? Go from one slave (cow) to another slave (woman)? What will human babies drink when their mothers milk is being taken to make ice cream and sold to be splashed onto cereal?
Are we going to start injecting women with hormones so they constantly lactate? I can't see anything being justifyable. Use soy milk to make Ben and Jerry's, not my milk for my 1 month old baby. He needs it worse.

Posted by: Brie | October 9, 2008 12:36 PM

Breast milk ice cream, huh? Good for homemade foods, but bad to mass produce for Ben and Jerry's?!?!?! I imagine substituting cow's milk for breast milk in homemade recipes could be considered beneficial and maybe down right tasty (make sure your family doesn't know the secret of their fine health). I might do that if my milk supply increases enough to accommodate my newborn and such recipes. My lactating boobs are hurting right now thinking of the foolish nonsense of mass producing breast milk ice cream, though. Shame on you, PETA for using the mistreatment of cows and breast milk ice cream to make headlines. Although, I must say, you are some clever little devils, aren't you?

Posted by: Laura T. | October 10, 2008 12:17 AM

Seriously? This article is so full of erroneous statements it's laughable. Firstly, humans are not the only species to drink milk other than that of their mothers. Some species of ants also do this. Vegans and vegetarians should be the last people to complain about unnatural food production, considering that all farming is an unnatural form of food production and virtually all of the crops we consume have been breed to suit our needs.
Secondly, there is far more proof that dairy milk improves health than that it diminishes it. From a chemical standpoint, there is little difference between a human and a cow, so what is good for them is more or less good for us.
To be honest, I do not object to the idea of switching to human produced milk, but I think the repercussions would be too great. Not only would titmilk ice cream sell about as well as crystal Pepsi, it seems that paying women for their breast milk opens poor mothers to corporate exploitation. Maybe a demo line of ice cream is in order before Ben and Jerry's makes any big changes.

Posted by: Kyle | October 10, 2008 10:45 AM

Geez people don't take this so literally. The whole point is to make people question the absurdity. Obviously no one is going to manufacture human milk ice cream, this just points out he ridiculousness of drinking cow's milk. The beauty of PETA and their wonderful selling point is shocking people into questioning.

Posted by: Kathy | October 12, 2008 02:54 PM

What? No. D: Stop. This is sick. You're going too far. SAVE THE VEGETABLES! :DDD

Posted by: Purin-Chan | October 12, 2008 03:10 PM

okay so u say its bad for cows to be impregnated for milk well what about women who in there right mind would do that it is crazy are we going to just line women up on an assembly line or something ? i mean really people think!!!

am am a vegitatien and i agree with animal rights but really this is rediculus!!!!

Posted by: jessica | October 12, 2008 05:57 PM

Anyone taking this seriously is an idiot. Peta generated this so that it would get people thinking and to promote the fact that it is disgusting and wrong to drink cow's milk. No one would really make ice cream with human milk.

Posted by: Jody | October 14, 2008 12:55 PM

whether or not this little campain was meant to be taken seriously or not, it clearly is. but why would peta go through so much trouble as to writing a letter if it was just meant to provoke thought?

now, im a vegetarian, and im all for animal rights, but this is just a little bit insane. why not just not drink milk? if its really so bad for you, just stop. there are alternatives to milk and other ways to get calcium.

although i have decided not to eat meat, i dont condone hunting, and i do not wear the skins of an animal, i understand that the true nature of humans is to gain nutrition from other animals, and theres no way to get them to stop. i doubt there would be alot of valid volunteers that would safely contribute to this movement, and i couldnt see many people buying into it. im all for change, and i love peta for its determination in earning animals the rights that they deserve, but im also not naive. better conditions NEED to be made for these animals; we should appreciate them for providing so much of our nutrients and basic necessities instead of exploiting their vulnerability. maybe thats what the campain, or lack thereof (??) should focus on.

Posted by: Alicia | October 14, 2008 01:50 PM

Firstly, pregnant women do not produce breast milk. It is only after a baby is born that his mother starts to produce breast milk.

Kathy, please tell us why we shouldn't take the article serious. What about it gives you the impression that it's meant to be taken as anything LESS than literal?

I'm a vegetarian, I only eat free range eggs, and I eat soy instead of dairy whenever possible. I am all for animal rights, but NOT WHEN IT INFRINGES UPON HUMAN RIGHTS!!!! I keep getting images of women on all fours with their breasts hooked up to pumping machines, locked in tiny stalls rush into my mind. Or images of impoverished African or Indian women selling the breast milk meant for THEIR BABIES in order to buy their next meal. And what will their children be eating? COWS MILK based formula, maybe??? Gotta save that mommy milk for Ben and Jerry!! And don't you DARE suggest that Bessie the dairy cow has more, or even the same, intrinsic value than a HUMAN infant!

You've gone way too far, and you've lost some of the very little respect you had left. If you really cared about animals you'd take a more main line approach and actually be APPEALING to the general public, not DISGUSTING AND HORRIFYING us.

Posted by: Cassandra Jenkins | October 14, 2008 02:05 PM

So, who is going to monitor the diets of these women. Most of these women would be eating some, if not all, of the very things you(PeTA)detest. Now, would you really eat the ice cream made of human breast milk, that has meat, cows milk, etc in it. Remember people, human breast milk, just as cows milk, contains what (or traces of) we have eaten. Truly Detestable!!! Disgusting! WHY???

Posted by: Katherine | October 14, 2008 02:51 PM

This to me is just absurd, I think if PETA has gone a little overboard on this. I think if PETA wants Ben and Jerry's to offer an alternative to cow's milk that's fine but not everyone is up to consuming breast milk.

Posted by: Jennifer | October 14, 2008 06:22 PM

BEN,

IT IS TRUE. HUMANS ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT DRINK MILK FROM ANOTHER SPECIES. YOU SAID IN YOUR COMMENT ON SEPT.23 THAT THIS WASN'T TRUE BECAUSE YOU GIVE YOUR CAT COW'S MILK.

JUST SO YOU KNOW, GIVING YOUR KITTY COW'S MILK IS ACTUALLY CAUSING HIM TO HAVE AN UPSET STOMACH AND OR DIARRHEA WHETHER YOU MAY REALIZE IT OR NOT.POOR KITTY:( A CAT'S SYSTEM WAS NOT MADE TO DIGEST COW'S MILK.I AM NOT JUST SAYING THIS.IT'S TRUE.

CASSANDRA JENKINS,

I LIKE TO CHECK OUT OTHERS POSTS.
KATHY'S ON CT.10TH AND JODI'S OCT 14TH -- ARE SO RIGHT:0 ;0
BOTH OF THEIR COMMENTS SAID IT PERFECTLY!:) PETA MAKES PEOPLE THINK! PLEASE PEOPLE DO NOT IMAGINE WOMEN DOWN ON ALL FOURS IN ASSEMBLY LINES AND HOOKED UP TO MACHINES.I'M SURE.

OH YEAH, BEN AND JERRY NEEDS TO START USING SOY MILK/RICE MILK OR NUT MILK IN THEIR ICECREAM!THEY WOULD GET MY BUSINESS! AND IT WOULD TASTE THE EXACT SAME WAY IF THEY JUST STICK TO THE SAME RECIPE.

Posted by: jturbo | October 15, 2008 08:32 AM

I just have one question: were are we going to get all the breast milk from? I'm pretty sure most women aren't going to want to give up their breastmilk that should be for their kids so that they can eat some Ben and Jerry's with breastmilk in it...

Posted by: Grace | October 15, 2008 10:37 AM

Thank you, Crystal!!!!

Posted by: Jimmy | October 16, 2008 02:50 PM

just letting you know, the latest post that says "jody" was my post, and the other one under "alicia" was not mine. please get your names right.

Posted by: Alicia | October 16, 2008 02:51 PM

Humans are actually dirtier then animals so how is breast milk better? and in response to the post about cats drinking cows milk, it can actually be very healthy for them and won't cause diarrhea or an upset stomach if they are given the right amount of milk. It's the same in humans so please get your facts straight.

Posted by: . | October 16, 2008 05:35 PM

Just make soy ice-cream with Ben and jerry its the equal safe veagn way.

Plus breast milk is for human babies, not adults and its very creepy in a way.

Posted by: Tiffany | October 16, 2008 11:36 PM

You are all right. Human milk is meant for babies, not adults. Human milk has diseases and hormones in it. It's taxing on the body to produce milk. It's horrible to milk women for something unnecessary. EXACTLY.

But I can see how this could work. We could breed humans just for milk. We could impregnate them and take their babies from them and then hook their breasts up to machines. We could slaughter the males born and keep the females to grow up and produce more milk. It would be OK if they were specifically bred for milk right? It's not like there'd have to be willing donors. We could give them hormones so they produced more milk than normal.

Do you people honestly think in the wild, cows need to be milked if their babies stop suckling? That they like it? That a cow would be uncomfortable if it wasn't milked by a human?

There is no good reason to drink cows milk, it has become culturally acceptable and a is massive scam by the milk companies to make you think it's good for you. PeTA have concocted the greatest way to illustrate this injustice and conspiracy, but alas, it seems the only people that are intelligent enough to realise it is just a stunt to draw attention to the hideousness of drinking what belongs to a baby cow, are the people that are already vegan!

Cows milk is for baby cows! Eat some vegetables and your brain might work a bit better.

You guys at PeTA are awesome!!

Posted by: Finn | October 17, 2008 11:07 PM

you guys are crazy peta you have offocaly crossed the line i respect that you are TRYING to save animals but human brest milk is for HUMAN babies not for anything else cows are not treaded badly my frend own a dary farm and the cows are tread nicely thay get fed food and water and when its time to get milkd thay just use a nipplr sucker i can't under stand you guys think that this is bad for the cows so get some logic in to your heads peta

Posted by: nonamer | October 18, 2008 10:33 AM

I understand where PETA is coming from with the suggestion of human breast milk in replacement of cow milk. A great number of people were initially disgusted with the idea, until they may have thought, oh yah human milk would be so much more natural for me, a human to drink. Yet people do understand that it isn't necessary for us to drink milk past infancy, or that a Mothers' milk is for her baby, not ice cream! Why in the world is it so hard to understand that it isn't natural to drink milk from another species? It has no business being in our bodies. Earaches, headaches, allergies and digestive problems are only a few of the effects that dairy has on the human body.
As far as what I've heard many times over, "we've used cows milk for centuries"... yah we also used slaves for a while too. That doesn't mean it's right.
Also, it's not like Old McDonalds farm anymore with cows basking in the sunlight getting lovingly milked by the farmer. Wake up people. Take responsiblility for all living species.
Try watching a video depicting the harsh conditions in which your dinner lives and you may have second thoughts.
Though, when I've personally tried to show people these films, they obviously decline watching because they will "feel bad". Out of sight, out of mind I guess.

Posted by: Alexis | October 18, 2008 10:34 AM

If a cow is forced to become impreganated every 9 months to produce milk, how would it happen for a human? The same way. Using breast milk in ice cream is rediculous. Besides, why is only one doctor saying it would be benificial? The welfare of the babies not getting the milk is in danger because it is going into icecream. The idea just can't be trusted. There wouldn't be a chance to save them from juvenille diabetes and obesity if they die as an infant from malnutrition. Also, for some, that is the only nutrition. Formula is expensive and many are not as well off as the DR who approved the idea...Some people have not thought about this all the way through.

Posted by: Renee | October 18, 2008 10:49 PM

Hey, all you guys who are claiming PETA wants to take away breast milk from human babies.... Uh, that's not what they're saying! They're not advocating forcefully impregnating wimmin. Some produce way too much! Perhaps they would give milk.

And when you say "they need to concentrate on helping the rest of humankind"--isn't that what they are doing? They're advocating cow's milk alternatives. Many people don't realize the dangers of cow's milk.

I think it is a cool idea. However, they'd have to be sure that the womon was healthy: AIDS can be passed on through breast milk.

I'd like to see almond, hazlenut, or more flavor choices for coconut milk ice cream!

Posted by: Yiska | October 19, 2008 11:33 AM

Hi all,

Just a thought for you to consider:

A dairy cow is not forcefully impregnated, if the cow was neither fit or healthy, it would not become pregnant as it would not cope with pregnancy (same as humans). Also, what do you think would happen in the wild? it's not like they would use contraception!!!

It is not possible to keep dairy cows in bad conditions as, if they were, they would not be able to produce milk due to physical distress.
Sadly, it is all about money making, if the animal is in bad condition or shows any physical distress, it will not produce milk (exactly the same as humans) the owner will not make money out of it. Therefore it is out of the owners interest to neglect their stock.

I am very against animal cruelty, however I think it is important for facts to be correct before making statements.

Posted by: Holly | October 20, 2008 04:46 AM

It's kind of stupid to try to link cows' milk with autism. Autism is something a child is born with. It's not developed by milk. PETA should do their research instead of making stuff up to gain support. It's really annoying to read this stuff then look it up to find out that 92.9% of it is completly false. I tottaly agree that the conditions should be better for cows, but you should try to keep you stories in tact.
I have gathered facts from websites that I processed.

1) Cows need to be milked. Period. If they are not milked, their utters will burst, causing them to bleed to death. Plus, it it terribly painful for them.

2) Autism is caused by a biological disorder. According to autism.com,

"Autism is a severe developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first two-and-a-half years of life. Most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but spend their time engaged in puzzling and disturbing behaviors which are markedly different from those of typical children. Less severe cases may be diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) or with Asperger's Syndrome (these children typically have normal speech, but they have many "autistic" social and behavioral problems)." See? Nothing about milk.

3) If you take cows milk out of everyone's diet and replace it with human breast milk, I guarantee you that 99% of the population will be malnurished. Noone will even look at it let alone drink it. I know I wouldn't. Soy milk can't replace all the nutrients you get in milk. I'm not a vegan or veggie, but I can assure you no one of that caliber can stay healthy on that kind of diet.

3) Human milk has more diseases than cow milk. HIV, AIDS, and many more stds and bodily diseases infect breast milk.

Hopefully next time you will do better research, if you do any at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You've just been COMBED!!!!!

Posted by: The Comb of Logic!!!! | October 23, 2008 12:14 PM

The milk would taste like crap..but the amount of nutrients, proteins and fats in breast milk aren't meant to be ingested by anyone but newborn babies. .dairy milk on the other hand has the right amount. .and cows produce a lot more milk so why not use it? And cows have been milked for thousands of years by humans..in my opinion they are much better off in the care of humans..we feed them..milk them..take care of them..a cow in the wild has the same if not less lifetime expectancy then one on a dairy farm so we're not doing them any favors by letting them 'roam free'

Posted by: craig | October 26, 2008 09:48 PM

So basically PETA is saying it's not okay to milk cows, but it's okay to milk humans?? WTF!!??? Really PETA get a grip!!

Posted by: Tina | October 29, 2008 02:48 PM

PETA, are you outta your mind ?!(...I highly doubt you have a mind anyway...)
Using breast milk from women for doing ice cream and milk products !? WTF !?
The human breast milk is used for one thing = NURSERY !!!
NOT making milk products with it !! Get a fu**** grip !!!

Posted by: RPG | October 30, 2008 02:07 PM

Alright... I agree that the dairy cows are mistreated, but breast milk ice cream is going too far! Breast milk is great nutrition for a human infant, but certainly not something that adults should be consuming in ice cream. Not only is it gross, but diseases such as HIV can be transmitted in human breast milk.

Posted by: Becca | October 30, 2008 04:08 PM

Judging by all these comments, PETA has suceeded in being radical and outrageous enough to make dairy eaters sit up and pay attention. Myself (being also in posession of a black tounge-firmly-in-cheek sense of humour and not being *quite* so serious) can clearly see the infeasibility of this "project". In all seriousness, human breast milk might be more worrying since we Are higher up the food chain than cows, the fact of which we as vegans are all clearly aware I'm sure. Extreme and outrageous? Sex sells. Well done PETA.

Posted by: Jason | November 3, 2008 04:49 PM

Human breast milk carries the HIV virus if you are HIV positive. Who is screening the breastmilk going into the food supply? Will the restaurants be screening the milk much like the blood supply is tested?

Cows milk does not give you HIV@@

Posted by: donna | November 16, 2008 09:12 PM

i hate to see animals die

Posted by: n@c | December 1, 2008 12:55 PM

I liked this, it made me smile, people really need to get the point that cow milk is for baby COWS yeah you read whats in your ice cream and you come across 'breast milk' and put it down right?
Well, your STILL drinking breast milk its just not from a human, and people dont seem to get that. -_-

It annoys me how much people say milk is healthly for you, yet everyone in my family grew up drinking it and eatting nothing but meat eggs ect. Except me, I drank soy milk and no meat well their all above 300 pounds because of what they ate and myself I'm 110 I lost over 30 pounds after I cut dairy from my diet and since I've been a vegan I've yet to get really sick maybe a runny nose here and there but nothing like I used to I used to be sick 24/7 now I hardly am.

But it will be great if they switch to vegan versions. ^^

Posted by: Tabitha | December 13, 2008 10:34 PM

Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) in Ireland also done the very same letter to B&J in Dublin Ireland and got tons of press attention for cows we even managed to sway one radio interview to talk about slaughterhouses and cruel animal experimentation.

Posted by: John Carmody | December 24, 2008 07:46 AM

personally, i think we could just stick with soy milk and be cool with that :]

Posted by: jessica smith | January 2, 2009 01:09 PM

we currently doing research in using breastmilk to selected pastries... hope it'l work!

Posted by: hannah | January 13, 2009 08:48 PM

What is vegan about breast milk? Aren't humans animals too?

Posted by: wcbugs | January 15, 2009 11:53 AM

wait wouldnt we be doing what we oppose to the people who suppy the milk?

Posted by: john | January 16, 2009 09:36 PM

Sooo disturbing...but PETA disturbes me anyway.

LIVE AND LET LIVE PEOPLE!

Posted by: Laura Breen | January 20, 2009 08:35 AM

Putting soy on B&G ice cream is a very bad idea. I am one of those people who has become allergic to soy and it is no fun trying to find good foods without it! New studies have been showing that Americans, as is their want, are overusing soy and so creating more issues like mine. let's find a different alternative than soy! Allergies are appearing more and more in younger peole who are raised on soy milk. We consume a whole lot more of it that the orientals do!!

Posted by: peter | January 28, 2009 08:59 AM

I have long wondered why there isn't bottled breast milk available to buy instead of, or at least in addition to, the powder Formula that's out there. Not necessarily for adults, although I have read that it is used to aid cancer patients in their healing process, but at least for the children of mothers who cannot or will not breast feed. This seems like such an obvious solution, including the fact that disadvantaged mothers could sell their (tested for purity) milk as a means of extra income.

Posted by: Dawn Rigoni | February 16, 2009 02:38 PM

I have am of 2.
I have breast feed both and this both for the bond and its whats best for my kids.
I have NEVER SAY BREAST IS BEST FOR ice cream. number one it took me a while to breast milk . and 2 as a mom i was worried that they might be getting bc you cant see how much there are getting. so anything i made was for FEEDING THEM AND NOT FOR AN ICECREAM.
NUMBER 3 cow or baby. i choose cow.

Posted by: Nichole | March 30, 2009 07:33 PM

I'm sorry but that's nasty. I don't want milk from some chick tits... grosss. I buy all of my milk organic from small family run farms in vermont that don't use any hormones. Yes, it's more expensive but very worth it for the taste, the treatment of the animal and my health having no hormone crap put in my body

Posted by: Slmgrl | May 25, 2009 04:41 AM

I fail to see why a cow would need to be impregnated every 9 months to produce milk. The entire gestation period is a little over 9 months, and cows, like people, can produce milk for as long as their offspring are nursing, which could be years. The milk supply may wane with the use of a machine vs. the calf (which, like a human baby, is the best way to keep the milk supply up), but still, I think someone needs to check their math.

Posted by: Eluria | June 23, 2009 01:53 PM

not all Milk cows are treated badly. Most family cows are very spoiled and willingly give their owner the milk. My cow from the start produces Alot of milk. When she first calved her bags were so full and tight that my calf could not nurse enough to milk her out. My Jersey comes up and lets me know its time to milk every morning and evening. I do not have to catch her because she knows it time to milk, get brushed, fed grain, and see her babies. She is loved and well cared for. And we like the milk.

Posted by: leslie | July 8, 2009 08:29 PM

this is SOOOOOOOO violating women's rights

Posted by: non-hypocrite | July 27, 2009 05:29 PM

Yeah..I'm thinkin' rice milk sounds good right about now :)

Posted by: Katie | September 5, 2009 05:17 AM

Breast milk=gross
Cow milk= gross
Soy milk=YUM!!!!!!!!!
SOY ICE CREAM FOR THE WIN!!!!!

Posted by: Claudia Wetzel | September 6, 2009 01:31 PM

I can't help but recall that mothers who have lost their breast-feeding babies will cross the species barrier. An example is a pig that fed canine puppies after losing her own piglets. More food for thought...

Posted by: Ray Demko, Jr. | September 7, 2009 05:52 PM

what people don't realize is that goat milk is the closest to human, if i couldn't breast feed & assuming i had my own goat thats what id give to my baby XD I'm vegan but if i had my own goat then yer.

Posted by: scruffy | September 8, 2009 08:47 AM

I wish PETA had chosen a different ice cream company for this campaign. Ben & Jerry's is a company that doesn't use any growth hormones in their milk. They also don't get their milk from factory farms. Most of Ben & Jerry's milk comes from co-op family farms in Vermont.

Posted by: Melinda | September 21, 2009 04:05 PM

PETA's point isn't that we SHOULD be making ice cream from mother's milk. Their point is that we "SHOULDN'T" be using cow's milk for making ice cream.

Of course, the idea of making ice cream from human breast milk is idiotic and "ewwey". That was the point.

I drink cow's milk and will continue to do so, and eat ice cream made from it whatever PETA thinks about it, but at least I got their point!

Posted by: Anje | September 27, 2009 04:21 PM