There is often confusion around beef labels like “hormone-free,” “antibiotic-free,” and “natural” when it comes to certified Angus beef products. As a blogger writing about food and nutrition, I wanted to clear up some of that confusion for my readers and explore whether certified Angus beef can be considered hormone free.
What Does “Hormone Free” Mean?
The label “hormone free” is used to indicate that cattle were raised without the use of added or supplemental hormones Cattle raised for beef naturally produce hormones on their own, regardless of whether they receive additional hormones. Since it’s impossible to have beef with zero hormones, a more accurate term is “no added hormones.”
In the United States, federal regulations prohibit the use of hormone implants on cattle intended for export to the European Union. To meet this standard, beef producers must submit documentation showing that cattle were raised without hormone implants. This type of verifiable hormone-free beef product is termed “non-hormone treated cattle” (NHTC) beef by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.
The Controversy Around Hormones in Beef
There is ongoing consumer concern about the potential health and safety issues around added hormones given to cattle. However, beef producers argue that approved hormone implants have been proven safe. In fact, the FDA states that no studies have found evidence of adverse health effects from eating beef from cattle treated with growth promoting hormones.
Still, consumer demand for beef raised without hormones has steadily increased. Many major retailers now have hormone-free beef product lines. This signals that consumers want options when it comes to how their beef is raised.
Can Certified Angus Beef be Considered Hormone Free?
The short answer is yes – certified Angus beef can meet the criteria to be called hormone free but it depends on the specific program under which the cattle are raised.
Certified Angus Beef (CAB) is a brand owned by the American Angus Association. CAB sets various standards related to breed, quality grades, and other specifications that beef must meet to qualify for certification. But when it comes to how cattle are raised, CAB offers different label claims:
- Certified Angus Beef – no specification about hormone use
- CAB Natural – no antibiotics or added hormones
- CAB NHTC – Non-hormone treated cattle program
Therefore, if certified Angus beef carries the CAB Natural or CAB NHTC label claims, it would be considered hormone free. But regular certified Angus beef without a label claim does not guarantee no added hormones were used
How to Know Your Certified Angus Beef is Truly Hormone Free
If hormone-free beef is important to you, here are some tips for selecting certified Angus beef that meets this standard:
- Look for label claims – Seek out CAB Natural or CAB NHTC, which ensure no hormones added
- Read the label carefully – Don’t just look for “Angus” or “certified Angus beef.” Confirm additional labels like “no hormones administered” are also on the packaging.
- Contact the producer – If you can’t confirm from labels on certified Angus beef products, reach out to the company to ask specifically about their hormone policy for cattle. Reputable producers should provide this information.
- Look for third party verification – USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified are two third party labels that prohibit hormone use if also found on certified Angus beef.
While the availability of certified hormone-free Angus beef is increasing, not all certified Angus beef can automatically be considered hormone free without verifying labels or claims. Being an informed consumer and knowing what questions to ask are key to finding the kind of certified Angus beef you want to buy and serve your family.
The History of Certified Angus Beef
FAQ
Is black angus beef hormone free?
Is Certified Angus Beef healthy?
What is the difference between Angus beef and Certified Angus Beef?
Is certified Angus organic?
What is certified Angus beef ® brand natural?
In addition to our already stringent 10 quality standards, Certified Angus Beef ® brand Natural also must be from cattle fed a vegetarian diet, and never given antibiotics nor hormones. It’s simply natural, simply delicious beef. We have three different offerings in the Certified Angus Beef® brand family.
Is Angus beef natural?
Some brands, for example, will take additional measures to ensure their beef is natural, such as raising cattle without antibiotics or added hormones. So be sure to clarify when you see labels stating “100% natural,” “naturally raised,” or “all natural beef.” Natural Angus beef is different than grass fed beef.
Does Angus beef qualify for any Angus brand?
Beef that qualifies for any Angus brand, including ours, is determined not by pedigree, but rather by traits, like hair color, that are highly associated with the Angus breed. For some brands, like the Certified Angus Beef ® brand, Angus heritage is just the starting point.
Where does Angus beef come from?
Our Never Ever USDA Prime and Choice Open Prairie Natural Angus Beef has no antibiotics, no added hormones or growth promotants and comes from cattle that are fed a 100% vegetarian diet with no animal byproducts. With consumers wanting to know where their food comes from, our Trusted Path™ Program can trace beef back to the animal’s birthplace.