NEW ITEMSWe are often asked ‘Can we compete using this product?’
BETA and UFAS (Universal Feed Assurance Scheme) have launched the BETA UFAS NOPS Code, an assurance scheme to reduce the risk of accidental contamination of feed ingredients by Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS). The prohibited substances of particular concern are as follows.
· Caffeine – (coffee)
· Theobromine – (chocolate)
· Theophylline – (tea)
· Morphine – (opium poppy, Papaver somniferum)
· Hyoscine – (nightshade, Datura)
· Hordenine – (germinating barley)
· Atropine – (nightshade – Atropa belladonna)
· Nicotine – (tobacco)
These NOPS have been identified as there is an increased risk they could get into the horse’s feed chain either directly from the feed being grown, such as hordenine on barley, but also from cross contamination. By adopting the BETA Code all materials used in the manufacture of our supplements are risk assessed, with suppliers carefully chosen and fully assured and all manufacturing processes are carefully controlled to minimise the risk of NOPS contamination from farm to factory.
The BETA NOPS Logo is found on all products manufactured under the BETA NOPS Code.
But what about other prohibited substances?
The list above, only includes those materials with an increased risk of NATURALLY OCCURING, there are many ingredients used in the manufacture of supplements that are not included in that list, and that fall under control by the FEI and also the BHA. Both the FEI and the BHA operate to slightly different lists, and we advise all our customers to check with the relevant body if there is an uncertainty.
This is particularly true of Devils Claw, often used to alleviate the aches & stiffness associated with competition and training, as well as old age. Earlier this year, the BHA issued a press release that stated not only do they consider Devil’s Claw a banned substance, but that they can also now reliably test for it in blood and urine samples. The FEI have yet to include Devils Claw, or any of its metabolites on the clean sport list, although Germany & France have banned it under their national rules. With this in mind we do not recommend Devils Claw suitable for use in horses competing under BHA or FEI rules. For other UK governing bodies, we would advise customers to contact them directly for clarification.
Should you have any further questions about the use of our supplements in competition horses, please get in touch either by phone, 01270 530930, or email sales@equiformnutrition.co.uk
