"Growth hormones widespread in pork production"

The banned substances were mainly being used in pork production, but the hormones unit believes that the figures do not show that public health was endangered.

Prosecutor Francis Clarysse was unwilling to release any figures, but there has been a significant increase in the use of corticosteroids in pork production. Even low doses of this product increase growth. Until 2011 few infringements were registered among big breeders, while last year the use of corticosteroids became widespread.

Belgium's Federal Food Safety Agency is investigating why there has been such a surge in the use of growth hormones in pig rearing. Once this has been established the necessary measures will be taken.

Investigators say that the use of corticosteroids in beef production has been around for a long time. Animals can be slaughtered more quickly allowing farmers to rear more animals increasing yield and financial rewards.

The findings have been rejected by Belgium's leading farmers' association, the Boerenbond.

The hormones unit's annual report also looks at the use of banned products among sportsmen and women and fitness enthusiasts. Here lots of research chemicals, drugs that are still in the development phase, are being taken.

Research chemicals pose a greater danger than classic anabolic steroids. In many cases they have not yet been tested on humans. The label will state 'not for human use'.