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

O