Hormonally treated meat has long been suspected of contributing to negative effects on human health. In 1988, the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization and the United States Food and Drug Administration considered residues found in meat from treated animals to be safe for consumers. However, the conclusion regarding the safety of hormones has been reconsidered, while "many industry-funded studies show no risk, independent studies suggest" that the presence of hormones in meat and dairy products is disturbing to a lot (Minowa). Previous studies finding hormones safe were based on inadequate science and uncertain assumptions. Chemical and hormonal overload can affect both sexes, but children, pregnant women, and developing embryos are most sensitive to additive hormones that pose potential health risks. Additionally, the presence of hormones in food is detrimental to animal health and the environment. Like the European Union, the United States should take steps to ban the use of hormones in food and be aware of their negative consequences. Since the 1950s, meat and dairy production has been increasing and the simplest answer for modern industrial farmers is to inject or feed their animals with hormones to make them gain weight faster. Today's farmers are producing livestock in a record time of just fourteen months. In 1950, a cow produced 5,300 pounds of milk per year and in 2011, a cow produced 20,000 pounds (table hormones). The concern among scientists and consumers is that traces of hormones and chemicals will remain in the meat and pose a danger to humans who consume it. When hormones are injected into cattle, natural hormone levels increase seven to twenty times (hormone chart). Epid...... middle of paper ......world. Healthy Child, Healthy World, February 26, 2013. Web. March 22, 2014Barrett, Amanda. “Added hormones to meat and dairy products.” Health Facts. Beliefnet and Web. March 27, 2014. “Greening Princeton.” Princeton University. Princeton University, nd Web. March 26, 2014. Hoffman, Matthew. “Understanding food safety: pesticides, hormones and antibiotics in food.” » WebMD. WebMD and Web. March 21, 2014. Laliberté, Richard. “Growth Hormones in Beef and Milk.” Weight Watchers. Weight Watchers, and the Web. March 26, 2014. “Organic foods: advantages and disadvantages for health and the environment. » Organic foods: advantages and disadvantages for health and the environment. Np, and Web. March 26, 2014. “Political Statements Database.” » APHA. APHA, and Web. March 24, 2014. “Table Hormones.” GRACE Communications Foundation. GRACE Communications Foundation, nd Web. March 24. 2014.