/oss/taxonomy/term/1952/all en /oss/article/cancer-controversial-science-food-health-news/hormones-cattle <p>Those ads from A&W claiming that their beef is raised without hormones or steroids are popping up on TV with annoying frequency. The intent obviously is to suggest that this meat is somehow safer than competitors' brands. There is absolutely no evidence for this. The growth promoters used in cattle, usually released from capsules implanted in the ear, are regulated just like drugs intended for human use and residues are carefully monitored. The use of growth promoters results in better conversion of feed to muscle, meaning that meat can be produced more economically.</p> Fri, 30 Jan 2015 14:32:22 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2232 at /oss