Definition
Animals produce hormones naturally to regulate their body’s biochemistry. If hormones - either synthetic or natural - are introduced into an animal, they can modify the animal’s metabolism. This can have a range of effects, including changing its growth rate.

Situation Analysis
No hormones are fed or otherwise administered to any poultry in Australia. Hormones have not been used in the Australian poultry industry for more than 40 years. Hormones were originally used as an alternative to castration to improve the tenderness of the meat, but improved breeds of chicken have made this practice unnecessary.


Policy Statements on Hormones:
No hormones are administered to meat chickens under any circumstance.
There is no basis for any food safety concern regarding hormones.

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