Allen & Page sign up to the NOPS feeding code

The Code was implemented on 1 October 2009 by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) with commitment from the leading horse feed manufacturers. 

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.”

Allen & Page has a reputation for producing the cleanest, 'greenest' feeds. They guarantee that no prohibited substances under the current Jockey Club or F.E.I. rules have been used in the production of any of their feeds. By maintaining this policy they can confirm that all reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that no prohibited substances are introduced whilst these feeds are produced.

Allen & Page already conform to many codes and the quality assured mill is ISO9002 Approved, UKASTA Feed Assured, Soil Association Licensed and it has received the Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales.