Abstract: β-Agonists can increase protein synthesis rates and promote animal growth, but its residues in foodstuffs of animal origin may pose health risks to human. Most of β-agonists are banned to be used in animal feeds, and many countries have passed a series of laws and regulations to limit the use of β-agonists in animal feed and to enhance the control and monitoring of β-agonists used in farm animals. This article discusses the safety issues of β-agonist residues in foodstuffs of animal origin and compares the regulations on β-agonists among main international organizations and countries including Codex Alimentarius Commission, EU, USA, Japan and China, and summarizes the technologies used for qualitative and quantitative analyses of β-agonists.

Key words: β-agonists, maximum residue limit, standard, detection method