A BIOLOGICAL research company based near Fordham is withdrawing from a controversial area of drug testing after a split with the worldwide anti-doping agency. HFL, previously Horseracing Forensic Laboratory, will no longer test athletes for evidence of

A BIOLOGICAL research company based near Fordham is withdrawing from a controversial area of drug testing after a split with the worldwide anti-doping agency.

HFL, previously Horseracing Forensic Laboratory, will no longer test athletes for evidence of drugs' misuse.

The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) licensed HFL to carry out athlete drug testing in 2004, but after three years HFL has decided to call time on their partnership.

Instead, the company will concentrate on pre-empting doping scandals by analysing food supplements for traces of banned substances.

The move was prompted by WADA's decision to ban accredited laboratories from carrying out both food supplement and athlete testing.

The company will continue to test horses and greyhounds for performance-enhancing drugs.