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EU warns of cancer from US beef

- 04 May 1999
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04 May 1999

EU warns of cancer from US beef


EUROPEAN Union scientists say a drug used as a growth promoter in US beef can cause cancer.

Six hormones used to stimulate growth in cattle pose threats of differing severity, and children may be specially at risk, concluded one of two studies.

The study concluded that one hormone must be considered a complete carcinogen with “both tumour-initiating and tumour-promoting effects”.

The findings could have a serious effect on transatlantic relations already under strain from the dispute over bananas.

The USA has been lobbying hard to secure the removal of Europes decade-old embargo on US hormone-treated beef.

The USA has the support of the World Trade Organisation, which ruled in February that the EU must lift the ban by 13 May unless it can prove the meat is harmful.

Last week, the EU announced a widening of the terms of the embargo from 15 June to include meat imported from the USA and marketed as “hormone free”.

That ban was ordered by the Standing Veterinary Committee after scientific tests showed that 12% of supposedly hormone-free US beef contained hormone residues.

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