What Does No Added Hormones Mean for Meat?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), federal regulations have prohibited the use of hormones in raising poultry and pork since the 1950s. For these meats, the label "no added hormones" is a redundant marketing tactic and must be followed by a disclaimer. However, for beef, this label signifies that a specific producer has chosen not to use growth-promoting hormones, an optional but permitted practice.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the meaning of "no added hormones" on meat products, explaining that it has a different implication depending on the animal species. The use of added hormones is banned in poultry and pork, making the label on these products a simple marketing tool. For beef, however, the label indicates a producer's voluntary choice to forgo growth hormones. The content also addresses naturally occurring hormones and broader food label regulations.

Key Points

• Meaning Varies by Meat: The significance of the "no added hormones" label is entirely dependent on the type of meat you are buying.

• Poultry and Pork: Federal law prohibits adding hormones to poultry and pork, so the label is a marketing tactic and must include a disclaimer clarifying this.

• Beef and Lamb: For these meats, the label indicates a voluntary choice by the producer not to administer approved growth hormones.

• Natural vs. Added: All animals have natural hormones. The "no added hormones" label does not mean the product is entirely hormone-free, as natural hormones are still present.

• Check for Organic: For a more comprehensive guarantee, including no added hormones or antibiotics, look for the USDA Certified Organic label.

• Research Producer Claims: Beyond regulated labels, some products feature third-party certifications regarding animal welfare or antibiotic use, which might be helpful to research individually.

Decoding "No Added Hormones" by Species

Understanding the phrase "no added hormones" requires recognizing that its significance changes based on the type of meat you purchase. The United States government, through the USDA and FDA, regulates the use of hormones in animal agriculture, but these rules are not universal across all livestock.

Poultry and Pork: A Meaningless Claim In the poultry and pork industries, the phrase "no added hormones" is fundamentally a marketing tool. Federal regulations have explicitly banned the use of added hormones or steroids in raising chickens, turkeys, and pigs for decades. When this claim appears on a package of poultry or pork, the USDA mandates that it be accompanied by a clarifying statement, such as: "Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones". This asterisked disclaimer is key to revealing that all products of this type are raised without added hormones, regardless of the label. The rapid growth of modern broiler chickens, for example, is primarily the result of genetic selection and advances in feed and husbandry, not hormonal additives.

Beef: A Voluntary Production Practice For beef and lamb, the situation is different. Federal law does permit the use of certain steroid hormone implants, which can enhance growth and efficiency in cattle. Therefore, when a beef product is labeled "no added hormones," or more specifically "no hormones administered," it indicates that the producer voluntarily raised the animal without these growth promotants. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service must approve this claim based on documented evidence from the producer, ensuring that no hormones were used during the animal's life.

The Difference Between Added and Naturally Occurring Hormones

It's important to distinguish between added hormones and those that occur naturally in all living things, including animals and humans. All meat, whether conventionally raised or produced without added hormones, contains natural hormones. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are essential for an animal's basic physiological functions. Some foods, including many plants, also contain hormonally active substances. The level of natural hormones in meat is incredibly low, and the difference in natural hormone levels between beef with and without added hormones is minuscule. Human bodies produce hormones in far greater quantities daily than what is ingested from food.

Organic vs. "No Added Hormones" For consumers seeking to avoid added hormones, understanding the difference between standard labels and certified organic products is crucial. Organic certification encompasses a much broader set of standards.

• Certified Organic: A USDA Certified Organic label guarantees that the animals were not given any growth hormones or antibiotics. This certification also includes requirements for animal feed (must be 100% organic) and access to the outdoors.
• "No Added Hormones": This label only refers to the absence of added hormones and does not address other factors. The animal could have been raised with antibiotics or on conventional feed.

A Comparison of Meat Labeling Terms

Feature	Conventional Meat	"No Added Hormones" (Beef)	Certified Organic (Beef)
Added Hormones	May be used	No added hormones	No added hormones
Antibiotics	May be used	May be used	No antibiotics used
Feed	Conventional feed used	Conventional feed used	100% Organic feed
Pasture Access	Not required	Not required	Required
Regulatory Basis	Standard practice	USDA-verified claim	USDA-regulated certification

Conclusion

Navigating food labels can be confusing, but understanding what "no added hormones" means is simpler once you know the different regulations for various meats. On poultry and pork, this label is a marketing redundancy due to federal bans. For beef, however, it represents a specific production choice by the farmer, meaning no growth hormones were administered, although naturally occurring hormones are still present. For consumers who prioritize broader animal welfare or environmental standards, looking for the USDA Organic label is a more comprehensive choice that includes a "no added hormones" guarantee, alongside other standards for feed and antibiotic use. When shopping, pay attention to the species and any accompanying disclaimers to make the most informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the "no added hormones" label used on chicken if it's illegal to add them?

The label is used for marketing purposes to appeal to consumers who are concerned about hormones in meat, even though federal law already bans their use in poultry. The USDA requires a disclaimer to be present on the label to prevent misleading the consumer.

Does "no added hormones" mean the meat is healthier?

This label alone does not mean the meat is healthier or more nutritious. Nutritional content is comparable to conventionally raised meat. For beef, the hormone difference is minuscule and does not pose a known health risk.

Do animals labeled "no added hormones" still have natural hormones?

Yes, all living animals have naturally occurring hormones, which are essential for growth and other biological functions. The label only certifies that no additional hormones were administered during the animal's life.

Are hormones used in dairy cows?

The FDA permits the use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) in dairy cows to increase milk production. Milk can be labeled as rBGH-free if the producer documents that it was not used.

How does the "no added hormones" label differ from an "organic" label?

Organic certification is much more comprehensive. It requires no added hormones or antibiotics, plus adherence to standards for organic feed and pasture access. The "no added hormones" label only addresses hormone use.

Why are some chickens bigger today if no hormones are used?

The larger size of modern poultry is a result of advanced genetics, improved nutrition, and better farming practices, not hormones. Breeders have selected birds for more efficient growth over many generations.

Is "hormone-free" a legitimate label?

No, "hormone-free" is a misnomer and misleading because all animals naturally produce hormones. The correct term, used for beef, is "no added hormones" or "no hormones administered".