Hormones in Beef Survey 2003

In 1988 the EU prohibited the use of specified growth promotion drugs in farm animals, including 17β oestradiol and trenbolone. As a result of intervention by the World Trade Organisation (some members of which legally permit the use of these drugs in beef in their own countries) the EU carried out several risk assessments and concluded in 2002 that there was no acceptable daily intake for the 6 hormones examined. In particular, it concluded that there was a substantial body of evidence suggesting that 17β oestradiol had to be considered as a complete carcinogen and in consequence it was proposed that it’s use be definitively prohibited in farm animals.

The purpose of this survey was to establish if there was any evidence of the use 17β oestradiol or trenbolone in beef sold within the UK.

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