AN update was released today (Sunday) by Gain Equine Nutrition after progress was made in the investigation as to the possible source of contamination of the respected horse feed products on Friday, October 2nd.

The alert was raised after positive racing tests were returned for the prohibited substance Zilpaterol, approved for use as a feed supplement to enhance performance in some beef production systems outside the EU.

Gain Equine Nutrition stressed that "this substance has never formed part of any formulation in any Gain animal nutrition ranges.''

Update released

In a statement today, Gain Equine Nutrition said: "In line with our commitment to keep our customers informed, Gain can confirm that at 9pm last night (Saturday, 10 October), ED & F Man, an international supplier of the feed ingredient molasses, issued an “urgent action & recall notice” which stated:

“ED&F Man Liquid Products Ireland Ltd is informing you that products listed below are suspected of containing minute traces of the substance zilpaterol. Although the initial levels detected are extremely low, the substance in question is banned in the European Union.”

Supplier switched

As a result, Gain Equine Nutrition switched molasses supplier on Monday, October 5th and resumed the production of equine feed following consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the regulatory body responsible for the feed sector in Ireland.

Deliveries to customers and retail outlets recommenced on Wednesday, October 7th and the Gain Equine Nutrition team are working to replenish stocks as quickly as possible across all markets.

"We again apologise sincerely to our valued customers for any inconvenience caused. The entire Gain Equine Nutrition team would like to thank customers and the equine community for the support shown to them in recent days," said the company statement today.