Arla issues statement following backlash over Bovaer trial

Last week, Arla Foods announced a new collective project with Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi to trial the use of a feed additive with the aim of tackling methane emissions.   

The collaboration is set to see a collective effort across the food industry to trial the use of Bovaer, a feed additive that reduces enteric methane emissions from cows on average, by 27%, Arla explained.  

Today, 3rd December, the dairy producer issued a statement in regards to the trial announcement. 

Arla said that Bovaer is a product that has been researched for over 15 years and is already used in many countries around the world.  

It’s spokesperson added: “Bovaer has the potential to reduce methane emissions from cows and is part of our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our products. 

“Unfortunately, since we made this announcement, a significant amount of misinformation has been circulating online, and we feel compelled to address this by clearly and openly stating the facts.  

“Our commitment to reducing our climate impact is unwavering, but we would never do so in a way that jeopardises the health of our consumers or the welfare of our animals.” 

Manufacturer’s response

DSM Firmenich, the manufacturers of Bovaer, has provided a list of information about the feed additive for use in the UK. It reads: 

• Bovaer does not filter through to humans when they consume dairy products.  
• Regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK Food Standards Agency, have approved its use based on evidence that it does not harm the animals or negatively impact their health, productivity, or the quality of milk  
• Bovaer has undergone extensive testing to ensure it is safe for cows and humans.  
• Bovaer is specifically designed to break down in the cow’s digestive system and quickly decomposes into naturally occurring compounds already present in the stomach of a cow. This means it does not pass from the cow into the milk.  
• Bovaer has been worked on for 15 years, and is being used in approximately 25 countries across more than 200,000 cows 
• In December 2023, Bovaer was approved in the United Kingdom – it is currently approved for use in 68 countries. 
• You can read more about the Bovaer product here. 

Feed additive not permitted on organic farms

Following the backlash over the trial news, British farmers have set up a website that showcases ‘Bovaer free farms’. Access it here. 

Some of the dairy producers have also started publishing statements ensuring that they are not involved in the methane-reducing trial. 

The Soil Association confirmed it has been receiving a large number of questions about whether this feed additive would be permitted in organic. The association said: “It would not.” 

Its spokesperson added: “Soil Association organic standards stipulate that all ingredients/components of a feed additive must be actively approved for use and be deemed safe and nutritionally useful for the animal. 

“The main components that make up Bovaer are not included in the list of approved products/compounds and as a result, Bovaer would not be permitted under organic standards and for use in organic farming. 

“Arla buys milk from many different farms, and they supply both organic and non-organic milk. Any organic milk they supply must meet organic regulation requirements, and the production has to be completely separate from any non-organic milk. This must be demonstrated and independently audited every year.” 

Read more livestock news.