Kansas regulators are considering tighter rules for labeling dairy products that come from cows not injected with artificial growth hormones.

Recombinant bovine growth hormone typically raises cows' milk production by 5 to 15%.

The dairy industry argues it's misleading to label products as "hormone-free." The industry pushed this year for legislation making it unlawful to label any farm product with a claim that cannot be confirmed by a laboratory.

But opponents of stricter labeling say the restriction would makes it harder for smaller manufacturers who don't use the artificial hormone to market their dairy products.

A public hearing is planned for Dec. 2 in Topeka. The Kansas Agriculture Department is also taking written comments on the proposal.