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Understanding Prohibited Substances in Equine Feed: The BETA NOPS® Code & Form Nutrition’s Approach

Prohibited substances in equine feed are a critical concern for horse owners, trainers, and feed manufacturers. The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has developed the NOPS® Code—a rigorous standard designed to minimize the risk of contamination in horse feeds. Here’s what you need to know, with practical insights from Form Nutrition’s quality assurance practices.

What Are NOPS®?

NOPS® stands for Natural and Other Prohibited Substances. These are chemicals that may be:

  • Naturally present in certain feed ingredients,
  • Introduced through accidental cross-contamination,
  • Or intentionally included as ingredients.

The presence of NOPS® in feed can lead to positive drug tests in competition horses, even if there’s no intent to enhance performance. This is why strict standards and controls are essential.

Why Do Prohibited Substances Matter?

International equestrian and horseracing authorities enforce zero tolerance for substances that could affect a horse’s performance. Even trace amounts can result in disqualification, fines, or reputational damage. The BETA NOPS® Code helps feed manufacturers, trainers, and horse owners comply with these strict rules and protect animal welfare.

The Form Nutrition Commitment

Form Nutrition manufactures to high standards (GMP & UFAS) and also adheres to the BETA NOPS® Code. This means:

  • Every step of sourcing, storage, transport, and manufacturing is risk assessed for NOPS® contamination.
  • Suppliers are regularly audited.
  • Staff undergo rigorous training.
  • Customers benefit from increased levels of risk assessment and assurance—even if they are not direct members of the BETA NOPS® scheme.

What Does This Mean for Riders and Owners?

If you compete under national or international rules, you are responsible for ensuring your horse’s feed is free from prohibited substances. Choosing supplements and feeds manufactured under independently audited schemes like BETA NOPS® is the safest way to minimize risk. Look for the NOPS® logo on products for reassurance.

Where Do Prohibited Substances Come From?

A prohibited substance is “any substance that can exert an effect on a horse.” NOPS® can be:

  • Naturally present in ingredients (e.g., caffeine in cacao, morphine in poppy seeds, cannabinoids in hemp).
  • Introduced via cross-contamination during processing or transport.
  • Contaminants from weeds (e.g., hyoscine and atropine from nightshade or Datura).

High-Priority Herbal NOPS® (Banned by FEI) – include but are not limited to:

  • Cathinone/Cathine (Khat)
  • Digitoxin (Foxglove)
  • Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine (Ephedra)
  • Reserpine (Indian snakeroot, Devil’s Pepper)
  • Synephrine (Bitter orange)

Low-Priority Herbal NOPS® (Controlled by FEI) – include but are not limited to:

  • Harpagosides (Devil’s Claw)
  • Salicylic acid (Willow bark, Meadow Sweet)
  • Valerenic acid (Valerian)
  • Yohimbine (Yohimbe tree)

How Does the BETA NOPS® Code Work?

  • Certification: Companies must be certified to a recognized feed safety scheme and undergo annual audits.
  • Risk Management: The code requires a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach to identify and manage risks at every stage—from sourcing raw materials to final packaging.
  • Supplier Assurance: All suppliers must be risk assessed, and certain high-risk materials are outright prohibited.
  • Incident Reporting: Any detection of a prohibited substance must be reported to BETA within strict timeframes, and affected products may be subject to recall.
  • No Guarantees: Even with rigorous controls, the code does not guarantee feeds are “NOPS®-free”—it ensures best practices to minimize risk.

The Code in Practice

The BETA NOPS® Code has been endorsed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the National Trainers Association. Most major UK feed manufacturers comply, making it a trusted verification system for the industry. Only companies that are full scheme members can claim NOPS® accreditation—having a product made in a NOPS®-accredited plant is not enough.

Key Takeaways

  • Always choose feeds and supplements from BETA NOPS® certified suppliers.
  • Be aware of the ingredients in your horse’s feed, especially if you compete.
  • Understand that some natural ingredients (like certain herbs) can still cause positive tests.
  • Stay informed about updates to the NOPS® list and regulatory changes.

Further Resources

Conclusion:
The BETA NOPS® Code is the gold standard for managing prohibited substances in equine feed. By following its guidelines, the industry can protect horses, ensure fair competition, and maintain public trust.