Trenbolone & Zeranol Testing

Trenbolone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) used in veterinary medicine to improve muscle mass and appetite. It acts as a growth promoter, increasing feed efficiency and mineral absorption in cattle. Zeranol is a non-steroidal oestrogen agonist derived from zearalenone, a synthetic analogue of ZEA. Zeranol is approved for use as a growth promoter in the United States but is prohibited within the EU and under retained GB legislation.

The EU has prohibited the use of substances with hormonal activity for growth promotion in farm animals. Examples of these growth promoters include both zeranol and trenbolone acetate. Importantly, this prohibition applies not only within EU Member States, but also to imports from third countries where their use may be permitted. The legal instrument currently in force is Directive 96/22/EC, as amended by Directive 2003/74/EC. Fera food scientists are able to identify and quantify levels of trenbolone (17-α-trenbolone), zeranol and its epimer taleranol in a range of relevant matrices, most commonly urine, as Group A substances under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1644.

No Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010 for these growth promoters due to the risk they pose to human health. There is, however, guidance on Minimum Method Performance Requirements (MMPRs) for 17α-trenbolone, 17β-trenbolone, Zeranol and Taleranol.

The analytical method used at Fera is based on extraction facilitated by enzymatic digestion using β-glucuronidase, followed by testing using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Fera’s food safety experts use established, accredited analytical testing methods to detect and quantify growth promoter residues within your food samples. We provide the evidence required by regulators to verify that levels of growth promoter residues within your food products are compliant.

Our analytical methods are validated in accordance with the principles set out in 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.