Q: Have Gain Equine Nutrition products been found to contain a banned substance?

A: We confirm that we are investigating the presence of an unapproved feed supplement in some batches of our equine feed range. A potential issue was first alerted to us based on positive test results from France Galop from some horses fed on our products in France. Following receipt of this information, our quality and control team immediately commenced testing our feed products, both retained samples and also product in the market.

We have made significant progress in our investigation and are working closely with the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), who are the regulatory body responsible for the feed sector in Ireland. Following consultation with DAFM, we have re-commenced equine feed production and will be in contact with our customers regarding resumption of feed supply.

Q: Is it true that contaminated molasses is to blame for this issue?

A: This matter is the subject of a detailed and complex investigation by the regulatory body responsible for the feed sector, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, so we cannot make any comment at this point on the source of the unapproved feed supplement. A series of feed and ingredient tests are underway that will determine the course of their investigation.

Q: What steps did you take after you learned of the test results?

A: Our quality control team immediately commenced testing all our feed products, both retained samples and also product in the market. A thorough investigation and trace back of all feed ingredient sources also began as a matter of urgency to determine how this external unapproved feed supplement could have found its way into some batches of our equine product.

On Friday morning (October 2nd), we received confirmation of a positive test result on some individual feed samples. We do not have confirmation of the exact quantitative levels yet but the test results received to date indicate that the unapproved feed supplement is at a very low level. We immediately commenced the process of notifying our customers and the relevant authorities.

We are working closely with all appropriate agencies, including the Irish Department of Agriculture. By intensive testing of ingredients around the clock over the weekend, we were in a position to resume equine feed production on Monday.

Q: Which product ranges and batches are impacted?

We are currently awaiting full test results from a number of samples submitted to the laboratory accredited to test for this substance. While we are awaiting those results, we are not in position to identify the affected batch numbers. This information will be communicated as soon as it is available.

Q: How many racehorses have tested positive?

A: France Galop confirmed that five horses tested positive and additional testing was being carried out.

Q: What is zilpaterol?

A: Zilpaterol is approved for use as a feed supplement to enhance performance in some beef production systems outside the EU. This substance is not approved for usage within the EU and has never formed part of any formulation in any Gain animal nutrition ranges.

Q: Why were Gain products not tested before being released? What is the testing regime in Ireland?

A: The use of unapproved feed supplements are not permitted in the EU for growth-promoting purposes in farm animals. Testing occurs for group-prohibited substances, which includes substances having anabolic effect and unapproved substances, as part of the Department of Agriculture’s National Residues Control Plan testing scheme.

The residue of zilpaterol has not been flagged as an issue in the Department’s National Residue Control Plan reports over the last few years.

Our quality teams test production batches for Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS).

All of our key source ingredients come from certified providers. This is a synthetic man-made unapproved feed supplement and as such this unapproved feed supplement is not expected to be present in quality assured source ingredients.

Q: What can I do to ensure it is safe for my horse to run?

Trainers should consult with the relevant racing authority on this matter. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and British Horseracing Authority have confirmed that, following elective testing samples, zilpaterol is not present in samples from horses that had Gain feed withdrawn for a period of four days. Further investigations and tests are still ongoing. In the meantime these authorities are advising trainers to stop feeding Gain until further investigations have been completed.

Q: Where can I get my horses’ urine tested?

A: The Irish Equine Centre in Johnstown, Co Kildare, provide this service, as well as a number of accredited laboratories in France and the UK.

Q: Is there Gain feed on the market now?

A: Equine feed production resumed on Monday (October 5th) after a temporary pause over last weekend. Deliveries to customers and retail sales outlets recommenced on Wednesday and the team are working to replenish stocks as quickly as possible across all markets. The swift return to full production was made in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the regulatory body for feed production.

Q: What do I do with the Gain feed I already have?

A: On Friday [October 2nd] we advised our customers to refrain from feeding their existing stock of Gain equine products to their animals. We believe that this is the appropriate advice and it remains in place pending further discussion with the Department.

Q: Will I get replacement product or a refund for the feed that you have told me not to use?

A: Customers should talk to their business manager or local supplier.