Myth: Hormone Use In Pig Production Poses A Health Risk To Consumers


Federal law prohibits the use of hormones in pig production.

Polling data showed that many consumers were confused about when hormones were used in livestock and poultry production and about their safety. This is clearly stated on package labels when a "no added hormone" claim is made. It is important to understand that all multi-cellular organisms contain hormones, whether they are beef, broccoli, eggs, soybeans- or people. No food or living thing can be "hormone-free," despite marketing claims that may suggest this to be so. Livestock and poultry can be grown without added hormones, but they cannot be hormone-free.


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In the case of poultry, bird size has increased significantly over the last several decades. This is due to advances in breeding, animal nutrition and animal care that ensure that only the heartiest birds with the greatest potential to yield the most food are produced.

Just as a citrus farmer strives to plant trees that will yield the most fruit, poultry producers also breed the birds that yield the most meat. This environmentally beneficial practice requires fewer birds, less animal feed, and, in turn, less waste to produce the same amount of meat and poultry. It is also more economically sustainable for the farmer, which translates to affordable food for consumers.