Clenbuterol in Meat

• Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is a white or off-white crystalline powder that is odorless, bitter, and readily soluble in water. It has the effect of redistributing energy, increasing muscle synthesis and reducing fat deposition. In animals, it can promote animal growth, increase lean meat rate, reduce fat deposition, and improve feed compensation. Therefore, it is commonly known as "lean meat". Clenbuterol is also a sympathomimetic amine used by sufferers of breathing disorders as a decongestant and bronchodilator. People with chronic breathing disorders such as asthma use this as a bronchodilator to make breathing easier. It is most commonly available as the hydrochloride salt, clenbuterol hydrochloride. Clenbuterol is a β2 agonist with some structural and pharmacological similarities to epinephrine and salbutamol, but its effects are more potent and longer-lasting.

• Problems and hazards of the use of clenbuterol in meat

The use of Clenbuterol over the recommended dose of approximately 120 μg can cause muscle tremors, headache, dizziness and stomach irritation. Persons self-administering the drug for weight loss or to improve athletic performance have experienced nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, and myocardial infarction. Severe side effects of clenbuterol hydrochloride may include panic, rapid heartbeat, trembling and high blood pressure. Studies have also shown that clenbuterol abuse may lead to cardiac hypertrophy, which can be fatal. The severe side effects of clenbuterol can easily be avoided, but it will require responsible use.

• Regulation for clenbuterol in meat

In animal husbandry production, some illegal producers add clenbuterol as a growth promoter to animal feed to improve the quality of the carcass. This behavior can cause the residual clenbuterol in the meat to seriously harm animal husbandry production and human health. Therefore, the US and the EU prohibit the use of clenbuterol in food animals.

• EU regulations on other uses of animal drugs

Obligations of animal-derived food operators: use drugs according to drug requirements. The duties of the official regulatory authorities include:

? Inspection of the production, storage, transportation, distribution and use of pharmaceuticals;
Inspection of feed production and distribution;
Inspection without prior notice;
When illegal use of drugs is suspected, the farm shall be inspected, and the farm and the veterinarian shall provide assistance;
The fodder, drinking water and animals in breeding ground shall be used for sampling.

• Other EU requirements for animal derived foods

? Food should have a clear certification;
Food companies should establish a HACCP plan;
Special requirements: In the process of transporting animals to the slaughterhouse, the welfare requirements of the slaughtered animals should be guaranteed;
Animals should be fully rested before slaughter, and animal welfare should be guaranteed;
Animal-derived food companies must obtain registration from the competent authority in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the regulations;
Animal slaughtering operations must meet specified hygiene requirements.

• Related regulations

Legal bibliography of European integration 2013

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