In the global meat industry, hormones are often used to accelerate growth and boost yield. Such practices are actually banned in the EU and UK, however some producers exploit loopholes, such as inadequate monitoring and falsified documentation to continue hormone use, particularly in poultry rearing.
Rest assured that all our ranges including Chicken, Lamb, and Beef are Antibiotic-Free, Hormone-Free, Free to Roam & Tayyib (pure).
Why Are Hormones Used?
Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are administered to livestock to promote rapid growth and increase muscle mass, which reduces production costs, and so meat grows quicker in a shorter amount of time. However, this rapid growth comes at the cost of animal welfare. For example, hormone-treated chickens may develop disproportionately large breasts, causing their legs to break under the strain (Thepoultrysite.com, 2022), while hormone-treated cows may experience pain and problems with their feet due to their artificially increased weight (www.thepoultrysite.com, n.d.)
Impact on Meat Quality and Taste
Hormone use compromises the quality and flavour of meat (Yang et al, 2020).
- Flavour: Hormone-treated meat often lacks marbling, a key contributor to rich, savoury flavour, as rapid growth limits natural fat development.
- Texture: The muscle fibres in hormone-fed animals grow differently, resulting in tougher, less tender meat. In poultry, this often leads to a rubbery texture.
- Consistency: Uneven fat distribution is common, leading to inconsistencies in taste and quality.
Saffron Alley takes pride in offering hormone-free & antibiotic-free meat, ensuring healthy muscle and fat development for superior taste, texture, and consistency.
Health Risks of Hormones in Your Meat
Hormone residues in meat pose significant health risks. Studies have linked long-term exposure to these hormones with endocrine disruption interfering with how our bodies naturally produce hormones. This leads to an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer (Nachman & Smith, 2015; Marzoni et al., 2016). Additionally, synthetic hormones in animal farming can affect reproductive health and increase the likelihood of hormonal imbalances (Snoj, 2019).
Saffron Alley doesn't just prioritise meat quality and animal welfare, we also want to provide you with a wholesome option in meat that promotes health as opposed to negatively affecting it. We want the best for our customers.
Environmental Concerns
The environmental impact of hormone use cannot be ignored. Hormonal residues from animal waste can contaminate water supplies, disrupting ecosystems and harming wildlife (Snoj, 2019).
Saffron Alley’s Approach To Hormone-Free & Antibiotic-Free Farming!
At Saffron Alley, we’ve chosen a different path by sourcing hormone-free meat from farms where the use of growth hormones is strictly avoided. We prioritise natural farming practices that ensure animals are raised in healthy, spacious environments where they can grow at their own pace. This approach eliminates the need for artificial hormone treatments, which can disrupt animal health and affect the quality of the meat.
We refuse to compromise on quality or ethics. We believe in providing meat that is not only Halal and Tayyib but also safe, wholesome, and sustainable.
By choosing Saffron Alley, you’re opting for healthier, tastier and ethically sourced meat that you can trust!