Added Growth Hormones

Added growth hormones are hormones that are given to livestock, such as cattle, to help them grow faster and larger. These hormones can be natural or synthetic and are administered through implants placed under the skin of the animal's ear. The hormones are released slowly over time, affecting the animal's metabolism.

In the U.S., the use of added hormones is primarily limited to beef cattle and sheep to promote growth and improve feed efficiency. They are not permitted in poultry, pork, or veal production. The hormones are not directly added to packaged foods but are present in the meat derived from treated animals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers added hormones in livestock to be safe and has approved their use. Scientific reviews by the FDA and other international bodies, like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have generally concluded that hormone residues in meat from treated animals are not a health concern at typical consumption levels. However, some consumer groups and scientific bodies have raised concerns about potential long-term health effects and the environmental impact of hormone use in agriculture.