Are there any restrictions on the use of growth hormones for beef production?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of growth hormones for beef production in Washington. As of January 1, 2018, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) sec. 16-60-220 states that no person shall market or transport, or cause to be marketed or transported, any beef produced from animals treated with a growth-promoting implant. In addition, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) regulates the use of certain hormones and antibiotics in cattle production. According to the WSDA, no individual or business shall use any hormone product to promote growth in cattle, other than the hormones approved for use by the federal Food and Drug Administration and the WSDA in accordance with federal law. Hormones which are approved for use by the WSDA can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The use of any other hormone is strictly prohibited. In addition to the state restrictions, the USDA prohibits the feeding of ractopamine to cattle and requires that animals treated with ractopamine be identified as such. All livestock, including cattle, that are sold for slaughter must also be accompanied by a certificate or affidavit stating that no growth-promoting hormones were used to produce the animals. In summary, there are both state and federal laws which prohibit or restrict the use of hormones for the production of beef in Washington. These restrictions help to ensure that consumers get the highest quality and safest beef.

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Are there any restrictions on the use of growth hormones for beef production?

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