Mexico on Close Watch for Banned Steroid Clenbuterol in Food

By Staff Writer | Apr 28, 2016 05:24 AM EDT

Mexico was warned on watching out for the banned steroid clenbuterol. As much as the drug has been purposively used by some to aid in weight loss, it was said that the ranchers in Mexico may be doing a little more than the usual in terms of livestock feeding.

As per USA Today, it was delivered that some ranchers in Mexico have been known to have their livestock animals ingest clenbuterol. The main goal of the said drug for the ranchers is that it would most likely increase meat yields, though, the action is considerably prohibited.

According to News Observer, Conade, Mexico's national sports commission stated recently that coaches are being cautious and are keeping a keen eye on the meat products being supplied to the athletes as a measure for the upcoming Rio de Janiero Olympic Games. This is said declared as a precaution to avoid drug-related controversies for the said contestants, as clenbuterol is immensely intolerable.

Conade Director Alfredo Castillo was quoted on his warning saying, "We should be conscious and careful about the kind of meat that is selected," especially for the athletes.  Alfredo further elaborated that organic beef, chicken, fish and pork can be potentially explored for somewhat safer alternatives.

Washington Post noted that for those who do not know the effects of clenbuterol, the said steroid is known to burn fat by effectively boosting an individual's metabolism. As for the sense of legality, the steroid has caused severe problems for Mexican athletes in the past.

It was back in 2011 that five national team soccer players were tested positive and immediately became banned from playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is the championship of North and Central America as well as the Caribbean. As for the Mexican livestock, some Mexican authorities inspected over 200 slaughterhouses last year and traced clenbuterol in over 58 of the livestock, instantly making the slaughterhouses viable for suspension.

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