The information on this site is subject to a disclaimer and a copyright notice . That is the opinion adopted by the Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures relating to Public Health on 30 April. The Commission, whose duty it is to ensure a high level of protection for consumers, has therefore kept its ban on the import of meat containing hormones, but wants to continue the talks aimed at finding a compromise which will not reduce the flow of transatlantic trade. The evidence is sufficient even though it varies in its conclusiveness and the available data do not allow a quantitative estimate of the risks. They are conceivable even at low doses, and a critical threshold cannot be established for any of the substances.
Prepubertal children are most at risk from the substances.
Seventeen scientific studies financed by the Commission on growth hormones are currently in progress. They are being carried out by independent scientists in various countries, including the Member States and the United States. The results are expected at the end of 2000. In addition, a report drawn up by Commission representatives and independent experts has revealed a lack of controls which could permit the misuse of growth hormones contrary to the rules in force in the United States and Canada. This aggravates the risks which already exist of exposure to the substances.