Abstract

beta 2-adrenergic agonists, particularly clenbuterol, are illegally used as growth promoters to obtain lean in meat. Their administration in feedlots can constitute a severe risk for animal welfare and exposes consumers to involuntary drug consumption at pharmacological active concentrations. Reported poisoning episodes have been associated with the consumption of beef liver where clenbuterol residues concentrate. In August 1996, 62 persons asked for medical help at the emergency rooms of 2 hospitals near the city of Caserta (Italy). Their clinical profile was characteristic of previously occurring clenbuterol intoxication, which reported superventricular extrasystoles and atrial fibrillation. All patients had non-liver beef meat consumption 10-30 min to 2-3 h before symptoms developed. An ELISA screening test specific for clenbuterol confirmed the drug's presence. Definitive confirmation of clenbuterol and determination of the drug content in meat samples were obtained by GC-MS, using 2 different derivatization. Concentrations in the meats ranged from 0.8 to 7.4 mg/kg. These analytical data provided evidence of the seriousness of the poisoning and helped the National Health System identify other possible misinterpreted cases. This case demonstrates that clenbuterol poisoning can also occur after consumption of beef meat other than liver.