What's in the Beef?
engineered growth hormones are commonly used in beef production.
The hormones have been Food and Drug Administration ()
approved since the 1950s, but are now produced using genetic engineering
techniques. The United States Department of Agriculture ()
says the use of the hormones creates a more flavorful and more tender
product at lower costs to cattle producers, the environment, and
There are six
approved growth hormones that are produced using genetic engineering:
estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, zeranol, melengestrol acetate,
and trenbolone acetate. The first three hormones occur in both humans
and animals. The other three substances are artificial hormones
designed to act like the natural hormones.
There is concern
by some researchers and consumers that these hormones may cause
cancer, hormonal imbalance, developmental and immune risks in humans
who eat these growth hormones.