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Current warnings

Players who live or compete in countries in South America and Central America, as well as China and Mexico, should be aware that steroids can sometimes be used to promote growth in cattle and other animals bred for meat in those regions.

If consumed, the steroid can show up in anti-doping tests and in some cases, under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, may result in a mandatory provisional suspension while it is investigated.

WADA specifically warns about clenbuterol, ractopamine, zilpaterol and zeranol or its metabolite(s) in Mexico, Guatemala and China. If there is a finding for these substances in those countries, at or below 5ng/mL, it will be marked as an “Atypical Finding”, which will mean there will be no immediate provisional suspension whilst an investigation takes place.

In addition, we have seen a small number of cases in tennis and other sports involving boldenone in Colombia which have been attributed to meat contamination. Whilst the WADA rules require a mandatory provisional suspension if this substance is found above the threshold of 2.5ng/ml, a no fault or negligence finding may follow if the evidence supports it.

So far, we have not seen cases of proven meat contamination in other countries in the region or elsewhere, however we will continue to monitor WADA’s global view of this situation and update this page if the situation changes.  

What can players do to take precautions?

When eating at tournaments in any of these regions, take as many precautions as possible.

• This means eating plant-based protein, or fish where possible
• There is strength in numbers; eat with other players at tournament-provided catering where available, or at established restaurants. Try to eat similar dishes
• Avoid beef, liver and pork, in particular. Chicken and other poultry may also be an issue in China
• Check with your server where their meat is sourced from. If it is farmed in any of the countries mentioned above, you are advised not to choose it
• Keep receipts and photographs of meals

Cases of meat contamination are still extremely rare, and not all meat farmed in the countries or regions mentioned is done so using steroids. However, you should be aware of the risks and how to mitigate them.