New code of practice introduced to reduce risk of positive dope tests

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has introduced a new voluntary code of practice for feed manufacturers to reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) in equine feeds. Click Here to read the full story (link to story in itallics below)

The Code was implemented on 1 October 2009. The Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS), Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) Code was developed by BETA in conjunction with assurance scheme experts in response to an increased incidence of positive dope tests for the morphine, a high priority NOPS in racehorses.

The International FEI rules for competition and the British Horseracing Authority’s Rules of Racing state a no threshold policy for naturally occurring substances that could affect performance, with the exception of theobromine.

The consequences of a positive dope test are disqualification and loss of prize money. Feeds and supplements conforming to the new Code will carry labelling to reassure owners and trainers of the stringent quality management procedures that have been undertaken during every step of the sourcing, storage, transport and manufacturing processes for each product.

Suppliers of raw materials will be regularly audited and staff will also undergo rigorous training to ensure strict adherence to the Code.

The Code has been endorsed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF) with endorsement being sought from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) in the future.