Background: Ractopamine and methionine are sometimes classified as a single umbrella term “growth promoters” but the two are quite different in chemical class, biological activity. 
Objective: To discuss, in this narrative review (which is expanded to include additional relevant extra information), the possible implications of ractopamine and methionine in poultry products in terms of human health. 
Methodology: Narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed studies and toxicological reviews and regulatory assessments. The evidence was categorized as regulatory, human experimental, human observational, animal experimental, mechanistic, or nutritional. Results: Species-specific residue depletion, tissue concentration, dietary exposure and pharmacodynamic endpoints are required for Ractopamine. Differences in data interpretation and risk-management approaches by national/international authorities have led to different regulatory conclusions. Methionine is not a long lasting veterinary drug residue. It is metabolically relevant based on the total food intake, folate and vitamin B status, renal function, genetic factors, and one-carbon metabolism. Experimental methionine loading has been shown to increase plasma concentrations of homocysteine, but this alone does not prove that habitual poultry consumption is responsible for cardiovascular disease. Evidence for association of either agent with gynecomastia, precocious puberty, infertility, cancer or chronic metabolic disease is not yet sufficient. 
Conclusion: Residue monitoring for ractopamine in poultry should be continued and monitoring of methionine should be viewed in the broad context of overall nutrient and metabolic considerations. There is no evidence yet that ordinary consumption of compliant poultry products is linked to major chronic, developmental, reproductive or cardiovascular diseases, unless it is measured and clinically verified.