Tag: Hormone implants

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), steroid hormone drugs have been approved for use in beef cattle and sheep since the 1950s. This fact raises important questions for many consumers about whether hormones can be used in beef, what that means for human health, and how regulations differ globally. This guide unpacks the science and regulations behind hormone use in the beef industry.

According to the USDA and FDA, six specific hormones are approved for growth promotion in beef cattle. These can be natural or synthetic and are used to increase growth efficiency and produce leaner beef. Consumers often have questions about what hormones are added to beef, their safety, and the regulations surrounding their use.