The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is looking for alternatives now that a Swiss company has ceased production of bottles to collect urine and blood samples.
This content was published on
1 minute
SRF/swissinfo.ch/sm
Based in St Gallen in eastern Switzerland, manufacturer Berlinger Special has been making doping control kits since the 1990s. This weekend it announced that it would stop producing the bottles in the medium term.
In the run-up to the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang this year, some problems were reported with the seals on the firm’s latest model of vials – sparking worries about samples being manipulated. There were also concerns about the how some of the newer bottles had broken when frozen.
“Increasingly institutionalized forms of doping malpractice have steadily raised and changed the demands on these anti-doping kits over the years,” said Berlinger in a statementExternal link. “These developments are not only damaging to sport: they have become increasingly incompatible with our corporate values and core competencies.”
In the meantime, the Swiss company will continue to provide an older model of its bottles for upcoming sporting events, just as it did for the Winter Games.
In a statement, WADAExternal link said it “remains resolutely committed to following up with Berlinger and affected stakeholders as necessary until the matter is resolved”.
More
More
Russia wants information on Swiss urine sample bottle firm
This content was published on
Russia has asked the Swiss authorities for legal assistance in obtaining information on a company that makes urine sample bottles.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
This content was published on
Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
This content was published on
Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
This content was published on
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
This content was published on
At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss doctor filmed advising testosterone treatment to athlete
This content was published on
The unnamed doctor, in canton Bern, was caught on camera explaining to a young cross-country skier how to cheat by using EPO or by injecting testosterone. When asked by the athlete about the risks of being caught, he replies: “The chances that you have to piss are maybe 1:100,000. And if you piss here in…
This content was published on
“Maria Sharapova was under contract with TAG Heuer until December 31, 2015. We had been in talks to extend our collaboration. In view of the current situation, the Swiss watch brand has suspended negotiations and has decided not to renew the contract,” the unit of French luxury goods group LVMH said in a statement on…
This content was published on
“It’s very important. Players need to feel that they’re going to be tested,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner said at a London press conference on Friday. “So they will shy away from any silly thought they might have.” “I’m always surprised when I walk off court after a final and I’m like ‘where is anti-doping?’”…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.