Olympic Anti-Doping Lab Tests U.S. Meat Supply for Growth Promoters

Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles's Olympic Analytical Laboratory, known for testing athlete samples for banned substances, are examining the U.S. meat supply for residues of growth-promoting compounds. The investigation aims to address concerns that these substances could potentially cause athletes to test positive for prohibited performance enhancers.

The comprehensive year-long surveillance study, funded by the Partnership for Clean Competition, analyzed beef, pork, and chicken purchased from retail outlets across eight U.S. cities. Researchers employed the same sophisticated analytical methods used in anti-doping efforts to detect anabolic steroids and other growth-promoting agents.

Dr. Bradley J. Johnson of Texas Tech University led the research in collaboration with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and UCLA's lab, directed by Elizabeth Ahrens. The team used liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry to screen meat samples for substances prohibited in sports competitions.

Growth-promoting substances like ractopamine and trenbolone are legally used in U.S. livestock production to increase muscle growth and improve feed efficiency. While the European Union prohibits many of these compounds, U.S. regulations permit a controlled use in specific animals.

The study found while some beef samples contained detectable levels of substances such as ractopamine, trenbolone, and estradiol, all measurements remained well below the maximum residue limits established by regulatory authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration. Pork and chicken samples showed minimal residues, with most testing negative for prohibited substances.

"The findings suggest that positive tests resulting from meat consumption are highly unlikely when consumed in amounts consistent with typical daily diets," the researchers stated in their report. "This study reinforces the effectiveness of current regulatory practices in limiting growth promoter residues in commercial meat."

The project continues with plans to collect additional samples, including examining meat imported to the U.S. from other countries.