Surveillance of Anabolic Agent Residues in US Meat Supply by Liquid Chromatography With High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

This study provides data on the prevalence of animal growth promoter residues through a comprehensive US surveillance approach targeting multiple species via retail purchases. Over a year, residue levels were analyzed in beef, pork, and poultry samples from eight US cities, screening for a panel of anabolic steroids, other anabolic agents, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and non-prohibited controls using sensitive high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Thirteen of the 53 beef samples tested positive for ractopamine, with a peak concentration of 14 ng/g in liver—well below CODEX and FDA maximum residue limits (MRLs). Trenbolone-17β and estradiol were also found in beef but remained within MRLs, indicating no health risk. In addition, pork samples showed minimal contamination, with just one pork kidney testing positive for nandrolone (0.08 ng/g) under the limit of detection and estradiol (0.5 ng/g), likely from endogenous hormone production in intact male pigs. Pork muscle and liver samples were residue-free. Chicken samples showed limited residues, with estradiol detected in three out of 35 muscle samples at 0.01 ng/g. These findings highlight the effectiveness of regulatory practices in limiting growth promoter residues in commercial meat, affirming that residue levels in meat products remain within regulatory limits and reinforces consumer safety and confidence.