Hormones in Canadian Dairy: A Strict Ban
In Canada, the use of artificial growth hormones to increase milk production has been prohibited for decades. The most notable of these is recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST), also known as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), which is permitted in the United States. However, after a thorough review, Health Canada banned the use and sale of rbST in 1999.
Why the Ban on rbST in Dairy?
Health Canada's decision was based on a review that determined the drug posed a threat to the health of dairy cows. While no significant risk to human health was identified, concerns were raised regarding the welfare of the animals. Studies showed that cows injected with rbST were at a higher risk of developing health problems, including mastitis (a painful udder infection) and lameness. Canadian dairy farmers are committed to animal care, and the ban reflects this priority. As a result, all milk produced in Canada is guaranteed to be from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones.
Regulation of Growth Hormones in Beef Cattle
Unlike dairy, the use of certain hormonal growth promoters (HGPs) is approved in Canada for beef cattle. These are used to increase the animal's growth efficiency, resulting in more lean muscle tissue and less fat. The practice has been approved by Health Canada and is considered safe for both the animals and human consumption at regulated levels. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) monitors this to ensure all regulations are met.
Approved Growth Promoters for Beef
According to Health Canada, there are several approved HGPs for use in beef cattle, including both naturally occurring and synthetic compounds.
- Naturally Occurring Hormones: Progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol-17ß are naturally present and used to promote growth.
- Synthetic Hormones: Trenbolone acetate (TBA), zeranol, and melengestrol acetate (MGA) are synthetic products approved for use.
These are typically administered via small subcutaneous implants placed behind the animal's ear, which release the hormone slowly over a period of months.
Are Hormones Used in Canadian Poultry?
In Canada, the use of added hormones in chicken, turkeys, and pigs is not permitted. The Chicken Farmers of Canada explicitly states that the use of hormones in chicken production has been illegal since the 1960s. Any chicken product labelled "raised without the use of added hormones" is no different from any other Canadian chicken product, as this practice is banned industry-wide. It is important to remember, however, that all living things contain naturally occurring hormones, and the term "hormone-free" is misleading.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in Canada
For medical purposes, human growth hormone (HGH) is available in Canada, but it is a strictly regulated prescription drug. Known by its generic name, somatropin, HGH is used to treat specific medical conditions, most notably growth hormone deficiency in children and adults. A prescription is only issued after a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a physician.
Legal vs. Illegal Use of HGH
- Legal Use: Administered by injection for approved conditions like growth hormone deficiency, Turner's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or chronic renal failure. The prescription must be filled at designated pharmacies.
- Illegal Use: Using HGH for non-medical purposes, such as performance enhancement, anti-aging, or bodybuilding, is illegal without a valid prescription. Health Canada has previously warned consumers against unauthorized HGH products sold online, noting serious associated health risks. Off-label use, though not restricted by law, is done at a doctor's and patient's own risk.
Understanding Canadian Food Labelling
When grocery shopping in Canada, understanding food labels related to hormones is crucial for informed purchasing. The CFIA regulates these claims to prevent consumer deception. A label stating "raised without the use of added hormones" is accurate for beef, but redundant for chicken, as it is standard practice. The phrase "hormone-free" is not permitted on food labels because it is scientifically inaccurate, as all plants and animals contain natural hormones. For milk, consumers can look for the Dairy Farmers of Canada logo, which indicates the product was made with 100% Canadian milk and is rbST-free.
Comparison of Canadian Hormone Regulations
| Product Category | Artificial Growth Hormones | Example(s) | Status in Canada | Reason for Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy | rbST (rBGH) | Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin | Banned | Animal health and welfare concerns |
| Beef | Approved HGPs | Progesterone, TBA, Zeranol, MGA | Approved | Regulated to promote lean growth under CFIA supervision |
| Poultry | Added Hormones | None approved | Illegal | Use of hormones has been illegal since the 1960s |
| Human (HGH) | Somatropin | Genotropin, Norditropin | Prescription-only | Strict medical use for diagnosed deficiencies |
Conclusion: Navigating Hormone Regulations in Canada
The question of whether growth hormones are allowed in Canada has a complex answer that depends on the specific context. For dairy and poultry, the use of added hormones is strictly prohibited, with the ban on rbST in dairy dating back to 1999 due to animal health concerns. For beef cattle, certain promoters are approved under stringent regulatory oversight. Human growth hormone is a controlled substance, requiring a physician's prescription for specific medical conditions and not for cosmetic or performance-enhancing purposes. Canadian food regulations and monitoring by agencies like Health Canada and the CFIA provide a framework for these practices, giving consumers greater transparency and control over their food choices. Consumers can look for specific labelling, though it's key to understand the difference between added and naturally occurring hormones.
Sources
- Health Canada.ca: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/veterinary-drugs/factsheets-faq/hormonal-growth-promoters.html
- Dairy Farmers of Canada: https://dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/dairy-in-canada/dairy-excellence/canadian-milk-no-place-artificial-growth-hormones
- Chicken Farmers of Canada: https://www.chickenfarmers.ca/faq/
