What are NOPS?
Naturally occurring prohibited substances or NOPS, are substances either naturally present within ingredients or occur as a result of cross contamination. Positive NOPS occurrences are usually caused by cross contamination of ingredients used within horse feed and supplements. This cross contamination can occur during the processing, manufacturing or storage stage.
BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) set up a scheme in 2009 aimed at reducing the risk of NOPS in equine feeds. Look out for the BETA NOPS logo on our packaging as this assures you that the products it appears on are NOPS compliant.
This NOPS logo will be on the labels of products that are BETA Nops complient.
How are horse feed and supplement companies regulated for NOPS compliance?
Companies using the NOPS logo are audited yearly to ensure that they are complying with the NOPS code of practice. Members must evaluate the risk of NOPS contamination during each step of the manufacturing process which includes the sourcing, storage, transport, and processing. Suppliers of raw materials are audited on a regular basis and staff undergo rigorous training.
At Feedmark we take every care to ensure compliance with NOPS. Like other BETA NOPS members, we undergo a lengthy audit every year to ensure we are compliant with the requirements of this important code of practice which affects all areas of our business. When you buy a Feedmark product you are buying a product made with quality ingredients bought from compliant suppliers. Look out for the NOPS logo on our product labels.
We undergo a lengthy audit every year to ensure we are compliant with the requirements of this important code of practice.
Why rider's and horse owners must be aware of NOPS in feed and supplements.
When competing under rules, whether that is FEI, BHA, BD, BE, BS or any competition that has a governing body, there will be rules as to what substances are allowed / not allowed within your horse’s diet as some of them, particularly those that are identified as NOPS, could be classed as ‘Performance Enhancing’. If you compete under rules at any level, it is important to know that what you are feeding is permitted as this could cost you your horse's qualification and prize money.
It's very important to be aware of NOPS if you are competiting under rules.
Examples of NOPS:
The main NOPS and their sources:
- Caffeine – Chocolate (cacao), Tea, Coffee
- Theobromine – Cacao
- Theophylline – Tea
- Morphine – Opium Poppy
- Hyoscine – Nightshade Plant
- Atropine – Nightshade Plant
- Cannabinoids – Hemp fibre and plant material
The High Priority Herbal NOPS are:
- Cathinone/Cathine - Khat
- Digitoxin - Foxglove
- Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine – Ephedra sp.
- Reserpine - Indian snakeroot, Devil’s Pepper
- Synephrine - “Bitter” orange cultivars
All of these substances are banned under competition rules and should not be fed to horses.
Low Priority Herbal NOPS:
- Harpagosides - Devils Claw
- Salicylic acid - Willow bark, Meadow Sweet
- Valerenic acid - Valerian
- Yohimbine - Yohimbe tree
These ingredients are Controlled under rules, which means that they are permitted to be fed to your horse, however, they are limited to horses NOT competing.
Products with these ingredients in must have them highlighted on the packaging and will not be allowed to show the NOPS logo. It is important to be aware of withdrawal periods before competing as they will differ for each ingredient/product and this needs to be highlighted on the product packaging.
How to Keep Your Horse’s Feed Free from NOPS Contamination
It's easy to reduce the risk of NOPS occurring on your yard by setting out some simple rules. The first one is to ensure that everyone on the yard knows the possible sources of contamination and is aware of what NOPS are and how they could affect you and your horses when out competing. Here are some more easy tips to help your horse stay free of NOPS:
Yard Management:
- Don’t eat or drink in the stable or feed room – simple things like coffee and chocolate can pose a big risk.
- Wash hands after eating and drinking.
- Do not feed titbits of human food to your horses.
Keep coffee and tea away from your horse and the feed room!
Handling Medication:
Medication management is also vital as a lot of medications are not permitted for use during competition. If you have a horse on your yard that is receiving medication, ensure that you are:
- Keeping all medications in a safe and secure location.
- Using separate buckets and feed stirrers for horses that are on medication to avoid cross contamination.
- Washing your hands thoroughly after treating a horse that is receiving medication.
Correct Feed Management:
Correct feed management is also important to reduce the risk of NOPS, which is often an area that is overlooked by horse owners. To reduce the risk, you should:
- Buy feed and supplements with the BETA NOPS logo on the packaging.
- Beware of claims made by companies not registered with the BETA NOPS scheme.
- Keep only horse feed and supplements in the feed room, do not store any other animal feed or medications within the feed room.
- Keep any products containing herbal NOPS (such as Devil's Claw) in a seperate area.
- Clean feed buckets thoroughly after use and avoid using the same stirrer to mix more than one horse's feed.
Know your NOPS – A Summary
Understanding Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) is essential for any rider or horse owner competing under governing body rules. These substances, found in common ingredients like cacao, coffee, and poppies, are viewed as performance enhancing and are therefore banned under competition rules.
To safeguard against NOPS contamination, always choose BETA NOPS-approved feeds and supplements, ensuring compliance with strict manufacturing and auditing standards. Proper yard management, medication handling, and feed management, further minimise risks. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your horse’s health and eligibility when competing. Look for the BETA NOPS logo - your guarantee of high quality nutrition.
