Safeway's processing plants in both Portland and Seattle are now free of milk tainted with rBGH (bovine growth hormone).
Safeway is requiring that dairy farmers supplying them milk must sign affidavits stating that they do not use rBGH.
The two plants produce milk for all of Oregon, Southwest Washington, and parts of northern California.
Safeway packages two brands of milk, Lucerne and Dari-Glen. Only Lucerne will be labeled rBGH-free, despite the fact that the milk is largely identical.
Safeway's processing plant in San Leandro, CA became rBGH-free two years ago; until now, it was Safeway's only rBGH-free plant. Safeway is the 23rd largest dairy processor in the country, with 17 plants in the United States and three in Canada.
In a related development, Chipotle Mexican Grill has announced that it will serve only rBGH-free sour cream at its more than 530 restaurants.