The amphetamines belong to a class called "beta agonists," like albuterol. They all have the side effect of diverting the body's resources to building muscle, hence they are banned substances. Most of the beef, pork and turkey in this country is fed a beta agonist called ractopamine. It's classified as a hazardous substance by the FDA, particularly for folks with heart disease. The workers who feed it to the animals the last 30 days of their lives have to wear respirators and hazmat suits. It's banned everywhere in the world except for the US, Australia and Canada. It's claimed by the FDA that there's no residue in the muscle flesh. Problem is that other countries kept finding it and rejecting American beef and pork. So, the Chinese bought Smithfield. They've set up a dual distribution system. The hog farms which are to be ractopamine free will produce pork only for China. The remainder will continue to supply pork to the American public laced with the stuff. The best easy answer is to patronize Publix. Their letter to me states neither the pork nor the "Greenwise" beef they sell has it. Grass-fed been obviously doesn't have it, since the animals fed it have to be confined, being very ill. Many of them have to be dragged to slaughter, being no longer able to stand. The "Greenwise" beef is still corn-finished the last 30 days of the animals' lives, since they would die, if fed that diet longer. It's fatter and has a different taste than grass-fed, but it's healthier than the other beef, IMO. OK, rant over...
