Accredited analysis for trenbolone, zeranol and related metabolites
Our food safety experts use accredited LC-MS/MS methods to detect and quantify trenbolone, zeranol and their metabolites across food and animal matrices. You get clear, defensible results that support regulatory compliance and withstand scrutiny.
We offer accredited analyses across a range of matrices from food-producing animals, as well as bespoke method development and non-accredited analyses for other analyte and matrix combinations. Processed meat and high-fat samples can present analytical challenges and may require additional method development — please get in touch to confirm your requirements and accreditation status before submitting.
Our ISO 17025 accreditation schedule is published by UKAS: ukas.com/download-schedule/1642/Testing/
What are trenbolone and zeranol?
Trenbolone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) used to enhance muscle growth, appetite and feed efficiency in cattle. Zeranol is a non-steroidal oestrogen agonist derived from zearalenone, approved as a growth promoter in some regions including the United States.
Both substances are prohibited as growth promoters in the European Union and under retained GB law. EU Directive 96/22/EC (amended by Directive 2003/74/EC) bans the administration of hormonal growth promoters to farm animals — a prohibition that applies equally to imports from third countries.
Under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1644, trenbolone (17α- and 17β-trenbolone), zeranol and its epimer taleranol are monitored as Group A substances, typically in urine. No Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are established for these substances under Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010 due to the risks they pose to human health. However, Minimum Method Performance Requirements (MMPRs) apply to 17α-trenbolone, 17β-trenbolone, zeranol and taleranol under EU residue control guidance.
How we test for tren and zeranol
Our method involves enzymatic hydrolysis (β-glucuronidase) followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Methods are validated in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Confirmatory analysis
Where required, confirmatory analysis is charged at the same rate as the primary test. We will contact you before proceeding. Confirmatory results are delivered within 10 working days of your instruction.
Please contact us to discuss volume discounts.
