Category: Beef production

All beef, like other animal products, naturally contains hormones that are essential for growth and development. So, what is no added hormones in beef, and why do consumers seek this label? It refers to meat from cattle that were raised without any supplemental or synthetic growth hormones being administered during their lifetime.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all beef contains naturally occurring hormones, but growth-promoting hormone implants are widely used in conventional beef production in the United States, Canada, and other countries. This practice is strictly regulated for consumer safety, while some regions, like the European Union, have banned the practice entirely.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several natural and synthetic steroid hormones have been approved for use in U.S. beef cattle since the 1950s to promote growth. So, does American beef have hormones in it? For a significant portion of conventionally raised U.S. beef, the answer is yes, though strict regulations are in place to ensure safety.

According to a 2023 study published in *PLOS One*, pasture-raised beef production can have a significantly larger carbon footprint than feedlot beef when accounting for land use and carbon opportunity costs. While often praised for its animal welfare and nutritional benefits, this method also comes with notable drawbacks for consumers and the environment.