Are animals given hormones to boost growth?
No – hormonal growth promoters have been banned since 1988 in the UK and the rest of the European Union. Some hormones are used as medicines to treat sick cattle or to aid fertility control in cattle, pigs and sheep. They must only be prescribed under the strict control of a veterinarian. These products have been licensed as safe to use in food producing animals by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, with withdrawal periods imposed to ensure no harmful residues can enter the food chain. Back to top…
