WADA statement on clenbuterol

Following current media interest in relation to clenbuterol, WADA wishes to clarify the following:

1. Clenbuterol is a prohibited substance and there is no threshold under which this substance is not prohibited.

2. At present there is no plan to introduce a threshold level for clenbuterol.

3. It is possible that under certain circumstances the presence of a low level of clenbuterol in an athlete sample can be the result of food contamination. However, each case is different and all elements need to be taken into account.

4. Under the World Anti-Doping Code, result management of cases foresees the opportunity for an athlete to explain how a prohibited substance entered his/her body.

5. Next week, WADA laboratory experts will meet, as they do regularly, and amongst other issues will discuss the situation with regards to clenbuterol. No decision will be taken at this meeting and any recommendation will then be reviewed and discussed at the WADA Health, Medical and Research Committee in view of the preparation of the 2012 List.

6. The power to take a decision and to adopt the 2012 List is vested to the WADA Executive Committee, composed equally of the Sport Movement and Governments, that will meet in September.

WADA will refrain from making any further comment regarding clenbuterol until the review process has been completed.