Hormones and Steroids

Tyson Foods does not add hormones or steroids to chickens or turkeys raised by the farmers who grow for our company. In fact, federal regulations prohibit the use of added hormones or steroids in chicken or turkey.

We buy livestock for our beef and pork plants from independent farmers and ranchers and expect them to raise their animals responsibly. Federal law prohibits the use of added hormones in hog production.

However, the federal government has recognized the role small amounts of hormones can have in making beef production more efficient, helping to keep beef affordable. Cattle farmers use small amounts of hormones to increase the rate of lean weight gain in animals, contributing to a sustainable food supply.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set strict tolerance levels for these hormones and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture carefully monitors beef for hormone residues.