Code launched to reassure trainers over feedstuffs.

RACEHORSE trainers can rest more easily about the risk of straying into disciplinary inquiries and disqualification over contaminated feedstuffs, after the introduction of a code of practice drawn up with advice from the BHA.

Compiled by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), the voluntary code for feed manufacturers is intended to reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances finding their way into products fed to horses in training.

The arrangement, known as the Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS), Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) code, involves adding the equivalent of a kitemark (pictured) to packaging. Leading manufacturers that have signed up include Baileys, Blue Chip, British Horse Feeds, Dodson & Horrell, Red Mills and Spillers.

NOPS due for high screening include morphine, caffeine and theobromine.

BHA equine-welfare director Tim Morris explains that the code was developed in conjunction with assurance scheme experts, with whom he had worked before joining the BHA, in response to an increased incidence of positive dope tests for morphine last year.

British racing has zero tolerance for naturally occurring substances that could affect performance, with the exception of theobromine, and the consequences of a positive drugs test are disqualification and loss of prize-money.

Morris says: "This is all about quality control because, where punters are making fine judgements, we can't tolerate setting levels for positive tests.

"The good news is the feed manufacturers took on board our advice and developed a standard scheme to lower the risk of contamination. We don't endorse products, but we do endorse quality schemes and this is a fine example."

Feed and supplements conforming to the code will carry labelling to reassure owners and trainers that stringent quality management procedures have been undertaken during the sourcing, storage, transport and manufacturing processes.

Suppliers of raw materials will be regularly audited, and staff will have rigorous training to ensure adherence to the code, says a BETA spokesman.