Nettex Equine confirm that SUPAlyx is not affected by Zilpaterol Incident
On the 8th of October 2020 notification was received through the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) on the emerging situation regarding the Zilpaterol contamination in some sources of equine feed products.
The source of the contamination was identified as originating from sugar cane molasses of South African origin.
Rumenco Limited including division Nettex contacted our molasses suppliers immediately to seek clarification on whether we had been supplied with the suspected batch of South African sugar cane molasses.
We can confirm that we were not in receipt of this material and therefore our equine products containing molasses, such as SUPAlyx Horse and Pony licks, are still safe to use. This has been verified by our suppliers on the 8th of October 2020.
Further to this we have received an update from the AIC (referenced below) regarding the incident stating that there would be no requirement or any further action regarding a recall of compound feed.
We will of course as a matter of diligence continue to monitor the situation and trust that this information reassures you on the integrity of the products supplied.
Source: AIC Member Briefing F20-041 Zilpaterol Feed Contamination – FSA Update
Members will be aware of the discovery of a prohibited substance zilpaterol (22 µg/kg – ppb) in sugar cane molasses from South Africa. Zilpaterol is a beta-agonist authorised in certain countries (Mexico, South Africa, USA) as a growth promoter. It is prohibited in the EU.
On 9 October samples were taken by the Irish authorities on molasses from South Africa and found positive with traces of zilpaterol. The consignment at stake was distributed in two countries: IE and UK.
A risk assessment by the Irish Food Safety Authority concluded that the levels in the molasses and the estimated carry over to food and feed did not constitute a food and feed risk. The Irish authorities ordered a recall of the molasses.
On 12 October, test results on compound feed containing the molasses were below the LOD (3 micrograms/kg) and correlated closely to the inclusion rates of the molasses in various feed types. As a consequence, the Irish authorities agreed that, since there was no food or feed safety risk and the levels in the feed were below LOD, there would be no recall of compound feed.
The supplier of the molasses was asked to provide a report on the origin of the contamination.
FSA have today released the following statement after an AIC request for guidance:
‘There are no actions required from your members, as based on current information there are no appreciable risks to animal welfare or public health. Businesses that received the affected molasses have been contacted and any remaining product continues to be collected for disposal.’
If you have any enquiries regarding this matter please email our equine support team on helpline@nettexequine.com.
