This study estimates daily intake of hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) from beef consumed by the US population. Combining self-reported beef consumption data with HGP concentrations measured in retail beef samples, the researchers defined typical, high, and maximum intake scenarios. Results showed the highest estimated hazard quotients (HQs) were for melengestrol acetate (MGA). Under typical intake, no HQ exceeded 0.02. Under maximum intake, the highest HQ was 0.29 for young boys (ages 1–5). Short-term maximum intake estimates for MGA equaled or exceeded the ADI for young girls and boys, respectively. While intake was generally low compared to health-based limits, further study of potential adverse effects during sensitive developmental periods is warranted.

Ruwan Thilakaratne, Rosemary Castorina, Gina Solomon, Mary M. Mosburg, Benjamin C. Moeller, Josephine F. Trott, Tara D. Falt, Ariadne Villegas-Gomez, Kevin W. Dodd, Catherine Thomsen, Paul English, Xiang Yang, Annika Khan, Asa Bradman, Russell C. Hovey