Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

(Ottawa, Ontario – February 1, 2018) – In response to the recent announcement from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding an investigation into a potential integrity issue with the new generation BEREG-KIT Geneva security bottles, supplied by Berlinger & Co. AG, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) would like to advise athletes that we are monitoring the situation closely and will offer additional information when it is available.

The CCES has not purchased any of the new BEREG-KIT Geneva bottles and continues to use the old model of BEREG-KIT bottles to collect samples; however, Canadian athletes subject to testing abroad or through another collection agency in Canada may encounter the new BEREG-KIT Geneva bottles. The new bottles can be identified by the change to a green plastic internal locking mechanism.

The CCES advises the following steps for athletes who encounter the new generation bottles:

1. Do not refuse to take the test.
2. Document your concerns on the Doping Control Form and/or a Supplementary Report if necessary.
3. Take the time to ensure the bottles are correctly closed by gently turning the cap clockwise until it will not move any further.
4. Once sealed, complete the following three steps (video guidance is available on the Berlinger website):
   1. Try to turn the cap counter-clockwise,
   2. Try to lift the cap off vertically, and
   3. Turn the bottle upside down.
5. Report your concerns to the anti-doping organization that authorized the test (the test authority).
6. Direct inquiries about BEREG-KIT Geneva security bottles to [email protected].

“The WADA investigation into sample collection bottles is isolated to a particular model of Berlinger bottle – the BEREG-KIT Geneva bottle,” said Jeremy Luke, CCES Senior Director, Sport Integrity. “For tests conducted by the CCES in Canada, we do not use that model of Berlinger bottles. We therefore remain fully confident in the integrity of the samples.”

CCES is committed to the highest quality in the sample collection process and we are working with WADA and Berlinger and collaborating with our international partners to ensure that the issue with the BEREG-KIT Geneva bottle is resolved. 

About the CCES

The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

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