Review Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2637-8914/328
Departmet of Food Hygiene and Control (Meat hygiene), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt.
*Corresponding Author: Fahim Aziz Eldein Shaltout, Department of Food Hygiene and Control (Meat hygiene), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt.
Citation: Eldein Shaltout FA, (2025), Just Wanted to Make Sure that your Food is Free from Hormonal Residues, J. Nutrition and Food Processing, 8(9); DOI:10.31579/2637-8914/328
Copyright: © 2025, Fahim Aziz Eldein Shaltout. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 25 June 2025 | Accepted: 11 July 2025 | Published: 21 July 2025
Keywords: hormonal residues; growth promoters; livestock production; potential risks
Hormonal residues in meat have become a growing concern due to their potential health and environmental impacts. These residues result from the use of hormonal growth promoters (HGPs) in livestock production, which are employed to enhance growth rates, improve feed efficiency, and increase meat yield. This paper explores the sources, detection methods, regulatory measures, and potential risks associated with hormonal residues in meat products.
The global demand for meat has led to intensified livestock production systems [1-7]. Hormonal growth promoters, such as estrogen, progesterone, and synthetic anabolic steroids, are commonly used to accelerate growth in cattle, poultry, and swine [8-15]. While these practices improve economic efficiency, they raise concerns about hormonal residues entering the food chain (144-150). potentially affecting human health and environmental systems (151-156).
Sources of Hormonal Residues Hormonal residues in meat originate from Natural Hormones (137-143). Produced endogenously by animals [16-23]. Synthetic Hormones, administered to enhance growth and productivity, such as trenbolone acetate, zeranol, and melengestrol acetate [24-30]. Mismanagement, Overuse or improper withdrawal periods before slaughter can lead to residue accumulation [31-37].
Detection of Hormonal Residues Modern techniques have advanced the detection of hormonal residues in meat as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Used for rapid and cost-effective screening [38-44]. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Offers high sensitivity and specificity [45-51]. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Common for quantifying hormone levels [52-58].
Health Implications Endocrine Disruption: Residues may interfere with hormone receptors, leading to reproductive and developmental issues [59-65]. Carcinogenic Risks, Long-term exposure to some hormones is linked to increased cancer risks [66-72]. Antibiotic Resistance, Hormone treatments often coincide with antibiotic use, compounding public health challenges [73-79].
Regulations and Standards Regulatory frameworks differ globally (130-136). European Union (EU) Prohibits hormonal growth promoters in livestock. United States (FDA/USDA) Permits limited use under strict guidelines. Codex Alimentarius Provides international food standards, including Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) [80-86].
Environmental Concerns Hormonal residues excreted by livestock can contaminate water systems, affecting aquatic organisms and ecosystems [87-93]. Studies show hormonal disruption in fish populations near livestock farming areas, highlighting the broader ecological impact [94-100].
Mitigation Strategies 1. Improved Livestock Management, Adhering to withdrawal periods and monitoring feed additives (101-108). Alternative Growth Promoters, Using probiotics, enzymes, or plant-based additives [109-115]. Policy Enforcement: Strengthening inspections and penalties for non-compliance [116-122]. Hormonal residues in meat remain a contentious issue, balancing economic benefits against potential health and environmental risks [123-129]
Advances in detection methods and stricter regulations are critical to ensuring food safety and sustainability. Collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders are essential to mitigate risks and protect public health.
Conflicts of Interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
Dear Editorial Team, Clinical Medical Reviews and Reports. My experience with the journal was highly positive. The peer-review process was rigorous, constructive, and completed in a timely manner. The reviewers provided valuable comments that helped improve the quality and clarity of our manuscript. The editorial office was professional, responsive, and supportive throughout all stages of the publication process. Communication was clear and efficient, and any questions were addressed promptly. Overall, I found the journal to maintain high scientific standards and an excellent publication workflow. I would be pleased to consider submitting future work to this journal. Best wishes from, Elena Popa.
It was my pleasure to submit my testimonial concerning the Reviewer Board of our Scientific Journal “Brain and Neurological Disorders”. The Reviewers focused on some modifications and their contribution was helpful. The ladies of our Editorial Office were also supported my efforts. It was my honor to have such a co-operation and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
Dear Grace Pierce, Editorial Coordinator of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports, Thank you for the speedy and efficient peer review process. I appreciate the fact that your peer reviewers do not take months to respond like with some other journals. I would also like to thank the editorial office for responding quickly to my questions. It is an excellent journal. I plan to submit more manuscripts in the future. Best wishes from, Robert W. McGee
Dear Grace Pierce, Editorial Coordinator of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports, Working with you and your team on our recent publication in JCRR has been a truly wonderful and enjoyable experience. The responses were prompt, and the reviewers were patient, constructive, and highly professional. One reviewer in particular gave me the feeling that a professor was carefully reading and commenting on my coursework, which was deeply touching. The entire process was straightforward and hassle‑free, with no tedious online forms to complete. I highly recommend this journal. Best wishes from, DR Aibing Rao, Head of R&D
I Appreciate the Opportunity to Share my Experience with the Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. The peer review process was timely and constructive, and the feedback provided helped improve the quality of our manuscript. The editorial office was professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the process, ensuring smooth communication and efficient handling of the submission. Overall, it was a positive experience collaborating with your team.
Dear Mercy Grace, Editorial Coordinator of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, We would like to express our gratitude for your help at all stages of publishing and editing the article. The editors of the magazine answer all the necessary questions and help at every stage. We will definitely continue to cooperate and publish other works in the Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences! Best wishes from, Alla Konstantinovna Politova,
