Rider protection as more contamination confirmed

Steps are being taken after a banned substance was found in more companies’ feed products

- BECKY MURRAY

GOVERNING bodies are taking steps to protect riders as more equestrian feed companies have been affected by contamination by the banned substance zilpaterol.

France Galop announced on 2 October that an investigation had been launched after five horses tested positive for the substance, with the “common denominator” pointing to products marketed under Gain Equine Nutrition (news 8 October). Last week, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) confirmed some of its members’ products had also been affected. Zilpaterol is used as a feed additive in the US and other countries to promote weight gain, mainly in cattle. It is not approved for use in Europe.