HGP Literature Review

Summary

​A review of the literature relevant to public health issues associated with the use of hormonal growth promotants - HGPs - in cattle was undertaken, particularly considering previous reviews and new research findings published in the last few years.
Overall, the balance of international opinion is that there is no increase in the risk of adverse health risks associated with consumption of meat from animals treated with HGPs according to good agricultural practice.
Although oestradiol-17beta, in particular, is recognised as potentially carcinogenic, these affects are associated with its hormonal action and the doses present in meat from HGP treated cattle are insufficient to exert any tumorigenic effect.
In addition, hormone levels in beef from treated cattle are well below levels in other common dietary constituents and from endogenous production. Oral bio-availability of these hormones is also low.
The above views are not supported by the European Union, which has expressed the view that any increase in dietary hormone levels associated with consumption of HGP-treated meat poses an unacceptable - but unquantified - increase in risk of adverse health consequences such as cancer.
HGPs have been through a rigorous evaluation and registration process and are registered for use in cattle in many countries. In these countries they provide a substantial benefit in terms of cost and efficiency of production.
Although some recent research has raised concerns about an apparent association between diets high in red meat, and speculated on the possible role of HGPs, and adverse health consequences, the evidence for HGP involvement is not strong and there is currently no need for changes in industry support for the continued use of HGPs in beef production.