Illegal Use of Clenbuterol in Cattle Production in México

Abstract

Slaughtered cattle (n = 582) from México State were bled for a serological screening of clenbuterol residues, using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clenbuterol residues were found in a total of 153/582 (26.2%) sera analysed. These results reinforced the assumption of the illegal use of clenbuterol in cattle production in México; therefore, routine screening examinations in slaughtered cattle were strongly advised considering the toxic potential for humans.