In order to protect market reputation, poppy growers must ensure that there are no poppy alkaloid residues in meat products from animals grazed on their properties.
It is recommended that poppy stubble not be grazed, but if it is, then stock must be kept off poppy stubble for a period of at least three weeks prior to slaughter.
Growers must be aware of the problems associated with sales of grain contaminated by volunteer (regrowth) poppies.
Morphine is a prohibited substance under the Horse Racing Code which has a zero tolerance.
A horse's digestive system metabolises the poppy capsule into morphine. The racing industry has been advised to check the source of their feed and to question the source in respect of the possibility of poppy capsule contamination.
If you grow cereals for sale to the Horse Racing Industry, please ensure that the cereal crop is not contaminated by regrowth poppies.
This is not only good hygiene, but it is a licence condition that poppy regrowth is eliminated.
The best way to avoid feed contamination is to knock out regrowth at an early stage.
