Clenbuterol, a long-acting, ß2-adrenergic agonist, is commonly used to treat asthma in humans and as a bronchodilator in veterinary medicine. In recent years, this drug has been illegally fed to cattle and pigs as "growth promoters" to enhance lean muscle production and protein content. Two years ago, in Shanghai, the consumption of Clenbuterol-contaminated pork reportedly poisoned over 330 people.

Clenbuterol, which is not destroyed during cooking, accumulates in the human body and can cause high blood pressure and tumors. The use of the toxic substance in food and feed chain production is prohibited in the U.S., European Union, and other countries. Applying modern detection technologies (including LC-MS/MS and ELISA), Silliker provides analytical services for clenbuterol in accordance with national and international standards. With centres of excellence in Italy, Canada, and Mexico, we offer testing in the following matrices: meat, egg and dairy.