Group to Unveil Case Against Dairy and Ads Criticizing Williams

WHAT: The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) will protest D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams' involvement in a controversial dairy industry promotion at a news conference tomorrow. The physicians object to the mayor's decision to pose in a "milk-mustache" ad and to declare May 11 "Drink Chocolate Milk Day" given the many health problems associated with dairy products, including heart disease and prostate cancer. (See "Why" below.)

PCRM will present its "Case Against Dairy" along with several cases of healthy dairy alternatives to the mayor. They will also unveil an ad campaign criticizing the mayor.

WHO: Two members of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine—Deborah Bernal, M.D., and Milton Mills, M.D.—will join PCRM nutrition experts, along with Samuel L. DeShay, M.D., M.P.H.

WHERE: The news conference will be held outside the Office of the Mayor at One Judiciary Square, N.W., on 4th St. between Indiana Ave. and E St.

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 2.

WHY:

• Milk increases the risk of ovarian cancer, heart disease, juvenile-onset diabetes, anemia, allergies, and other chronic problems.
• Research studies show that milk consumption is linked to prostate cancer.
• Chocolate milk has more fat and calories than typical sodas (and just as much sugar).
• A great many adults and older children, particularly people of color, are lactose intolerant. (For example, 70 percent of African Americans are lactose intolerant.)

BACKGROUND: PCRM led an effort in 1999, which included a successful lawsuit to incorporate non-dairy products into federal food guidelines. The campaign was supported by the Congressional Black Caucus; the NAACP; Martin Luther King, III; Jesse Jackson, Jr.; the National Hispanic Medical Association; and former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, M.D.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research,and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.