Livestock: growth hormones are harmful to humans

2002/04/24 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Abeltzaintza
• Osasuna

This is the third time you review this issue, ratifying what was manifested in 1999 and 2000. In fact, the European Union banned in 1998 the six hormones used in livestock (17 beta oestradiola, progesterone, testosterone, zeranol, tabibolone acetate and melengestrol acetate). The ban was extended to non-EU countries. However, the World Trade Organization (WTO) questioned the scientific reasons for imposing the ban and denounced in the WTO the adoption of this measure by the US. and Canada.

Therefore, the Scientific Committee has again analyzed the results of the last 17 investigations, focusing on the toxicological aspects of these six hormones and their metabolites, possible abuses, control problems and the environmental damage they produce.

Research has shown that these hormones accumulate in fatty tissues and it has been shown that, for example, 17 beta oestradiol affects genes and produces mutations. On the other hand, beers, tabibolone acetate and melengestrol acetate are transformed into other substances. Studies have also been conducted to detect the possibility that cancer may occur in the case of prenatal or early contact with these hormones.

Therefore, the European Union has ratified the decisions adopted previously, so the use of 17 beta oestradiol is totally prohibited, while the rest is still in the research phase, as it can be authorized in special cases such as for therapeutic or zootechnical purposes.