Hormone ban should remain, says EFSA
There are no grounds for revision of previous risk assessments in new scientific studies, according to EFSA.
The US permits use of growth hormones and has been battling with the EU over the issue.
Growth-promoting hormones are used to increase the weight gain of cattle. They are not permitted in Europe, because scientific studies have linked the eating of red meat with specific hormone-dependent cancers in humans.
EFSA was asked by the European Commission to assess any new scientific evidence that emerged since the EU risk assessment, in 2002, on natural and synthetic growth-promoting hormones (GPH) in cattle.
New data did not provide any quantitative information that would change the understanding of the possible risks to human health associated with residues of GPH substances in meat and meat products.
However, the new data indicated an association between large-scale beef cattle production using hormones, and undesirable effects in wild fish species in rivers exposed to waste water originating from these farms.
