New Horse Feed Code Introduced

New Horse Feed Code Introduced New code introduced to reduce risk of Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances in feed 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. The Code was implemented on 1 October 2009 with commitment from leading manufacturers including Baileys, Blue Chip, British Horse Feeds, Dodson & Horrell, Natural Animal Feeds, Red Mills, Saracen, Spillers, TopSpec  and Dengie (subject to FEMAS approval). 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. Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare for the BHA said: "By significantly reducing the risk of NOPS the new Code provides important protection for those competing or racing under rules. The fact that most of the UK's major feed manufacturers have already agreed to comply with the Code confirms its viability as a workable verification system."

For further information contact BETA on 01937 587062, email info@beta-uk.org or visit the www.beta-uk.org

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