Is Estradiol-17 beta Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Estradiol-17 beta is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (hormones).
CAS 50-28-2.
Other names: 17-beta estradiol, oestradiol
Is Estradiol-17 beta banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | beef |
| CAS number | 50-28-2 |
What is Estradiol-17 beta?
Estradiol-17 beta is a natural estrogen used as a growth implant in US beef cattle.
Why is Estradiol-17 beta used in food?
Producers use it to increase weight gain, milk output or feed efficiency.
Is Estradiol-17 beta dangerous? Documented risks
Banned in the EU since 1989; classified as a complete carcinogen by EU scientific committees.
Common US products containing Estradiol-17 beta
- beef
How to avoid Estradiol-17 beta: safer alternatives
Choose organic, grass-fed or 'no added hormones' certified meat and dairy, or EU-imported products. BannedPantry flags conventional animal products linked to banned hormones.
Frequently asked questions about Estradiol-17 beta
Is Estradiol-17 beta banned in the EU?
Yes — Estradiol-17 beta is banned in the European Union, while it remains allowed for use in the United States.
Is Estradiol-17 beta allowed in the US?
Estradiol-17 beta is allowed in the United States. US regulators have not imposed the same restrictions that apply across the EU.
Why is Estradiol-17 beta a concern?
Independent reviews flag Estradiol-17 beta for documented health or environmental risks, which is why EU regulators acted while the US has not.
How do I avoid Estradiol-17 beta?
Choose certified-organic or EU-imported products, check labels, and scan barcodes with BannedPantry to flag Estradiol-17 beta instantly.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Estradiol-17 beta or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related hormones
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- Banned ingredients in other countries — Food Revolution Network
- EFSA food additives — EFSA
- FDA Food Additives — U.S. FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.