Testosterone

The principal male sex hormone, secreted by the interstitial cells of the testes in mammals. In livestock production, testosterone and related anabolic steroids were historically given to cattle to accelerate growth and improve feed efficiency, but residues in meat raised concerns about hormonal effects on consumers. The EU consequently bans hormonal growth promoters in meat production — a prohibition that has shaped international trade disputes — while some other countries permit regulated use with maximum residue limits and withdrawal periods. Surveillance programmes screen meat for residues, and ‘hormone-free’ claims remain a strong marketing attribute.