New for 2020, a BETA NOPS code is being launched for equine bedding products.
During the course of harvesting, transporting, storing and processing the materials that make up our horse’s feed and bedding, there is a risk that they can be contaminated with substances that are not legal in FEI competitions. In order to overcome this, BETA introduced a scheme that requires companies to evaluate the risk for feed and supplements at every stage of production, and allows those that comply to display the certified BETA NOPS logo.
The BETA NOPS code for feed has shown successful growth over the last ten years into an internationally recognised standard for the reduction of risk of disqualification from naturally occurring prohibited substances. This is defined as any substance that can exert an effect on a horse, and that is naturally present in certain ingredients, or from cross contamination before arriving at the feed manufacturer. The code is a voluntary scheme and applies across a company rather than individual products, but they are assessed formally every year.
In response to member demand, this year a NOPS code for bedding is being introduced. This is to enable companies who audit to the code to offer peace of mind to riders and trainers that their bedding is given the same scrutiny as their feed. It is for use by all bedding manufacturers who wish to demonstrate that they conform to current best practice to reduce risk of contamination in their products. The code will also offer users the assurance that the company is marketing their product fairly through the auditing of their claims.
Currently straw (including pellets), hemp fibre and plant material are excluded due to the materials being at increased risk of containing a high priority NOPS contaminant. All other bedding providers that are interested in joining the code will be audited from May onwards and will be launched later in the year – so watch this space for further updates!
