Answer: Since all animals have naturally occurring hormones, no animal or poultry products are truly “hormone-free”. Animals, humans and even plants contain hormones.

If you are referring to animals that may have been given hormones to promote growth or muscle development; in the United States it is illegal to give poultry or hogs or sell poultry (turkey or chicken) or hogs (pork) that have been given hormones to promote growth. However, this certainly does not stop some brands from marketing turkey, chicken, and pork products as “hormone-free” or “no hormones added” which may be misleading or confusing to shoppers.

Some beef cattle are given an implant in their ear as calves to promote growth, but this dissipates long before they are harvested/slaughtered and enter the food supply. We routinely get more naturally occurring hormones from other foods that we eat like eggs, soy containing foods, potatoes and wheat germ.

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian

Related Items

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Sensationalism and Seed Oils

These days there’s a lot of negativity about “seed oils”. According to some of the social…

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: When Following Food Advice May Not Be the Best Idea

Often we see articles in magazines, posts on social media, reels or videos that feature a…

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Easy-to-swallow foods

Question: I have some difficulty with chewing and swallowing. What are some soft foods…

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Dinner — Something for Everyone?

Whether it’s a family gathering or a co-worker get together, what kind of meal can you…

twitter.com/InglesDietitian

facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian

800-334-4936