Hormones
Hormones, mainly BGH, have been a source of concern for meat consumers, and various vegetarian/humane organizations. Some warn of the risk of hormones being transmitted in the meat or dairy products from cattle impregnated with hormone implants. (No hormones are used in the raising of hogs). Hormones transmitted in meat would effect human hormone levels/growth, and could possibly lead to cancer and other diseases.
Hormones are naturally present in infinitesimal amounts in all meat, whether from implanted animals or not.
According to industry and government sources (1) the amount of estrogen in plant-source foods is larger than in meat. The human body produces hormones in quantities much greater than would ever be consumed by eating beef or other foods. The estrogen level in a 3-oz. serving of beef from an implanted steer is 1.85 nanograms; the level in the same size portion of beef from a non-implanted steer is 1.3 nanograms. By comparison, a non-pregnant woman produces 480,000 nanograms of estrogen daily. They conclude that hormones in beef from implanted steers have no physiological significance for humans.
Why are hormones used at all? Hormone implants increase the efficiency of beef production, thus alleviating energy, feed usage and environmental impacts, and improve overall quality and healthfulness of beef by reducing the amount of fat. The increased efficiency implants offer saves lowers the cost of retail beef by 20 cents to 30 cents per pound.
Sounds good, but is the use of hormones in cattle a threat? If the practice is not monitored, or is altered drastically it may be a concern in the future. Current practices however, do not imbue the meat-products with significant levels of hormone. Furthermore, negative effects on human from eating hormone laced foods higher than the current levels have yet to be demonstrated (2).
Conclusion
The practice should be monitored and further testing should be done. However, there is no reason to limit meat consumption at this time.
Refrences
- Report on Use of Hormonal Substances in Animals, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, 1986.
Expert Committee on Additives, Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization, 1987
- Food News for Consumers, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Winter 1990.
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