CHRB Okays Purina Feeds Based on Investigation

Based on Purina’s investigation, the CHRB says vendors can supply any product milled on and since March 27.
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Based on the results of an investigation by Purina Animal Nutrition, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has announced its licensed feed vendors can once again deliver some of the manufacturer’s sweet feed products previously found to contain the drug zilpaterol.

On March 22, the CHRB reported that a number of sweet feed products containing a molasses base produced by Purina at its Turlock, Calif., mill contained zilpaterol (a beta-2 agonist used to promote weight gain in livestock), which is prohibited in racing and many other equestrian sports. The CHRB subsequently dismissed 48 zilpaterol-positive drug tests from March 1 to March 26, citing feed contamination.

In an April 3 statement, the CHRB said, "The California Horse Racing Board has received assurances from Purina that feed produced at their Turlock plant no longer contains zilpaterol. Independent testing of the new Purina feed by the CAHFS (California Animal Health and Food Safety) toxicology laboratory at the University of California, Davis, was negative for zilpaterol in all samples submitted. Accordingly, the CHRB will allow CHRB-licensed feed vendors to deliver any Purina products that were milled at Purina’s Turlock plant on and since March 27, 2013."

According to an April 3 statement from the feed manufacturer, "Purina does not use zilpaterol in any plant. Our investigation has revealed that small amounts of zilpaterol were included in a single ingredient supplied by a vendor to the Turlock plant in February. Purina and Country Acres products produced at any other Purina plant were not impacted and can be used without restriction

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Written by:

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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