Arla faces boycott over Bovaer use on cows, Bill Gates' involvement, what is it, is it safe for humans

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Arla Foods is facing calls for a boycott of its products, including fresh milk, after announcing a new project to trial the controversial feed additive Bovaer on its farms.

The news has sparked a wave of backlash on social media, with concerned consumers questioning the dairy firm over the safety of the additive and its potential long-term health effects.

Bovaer, a product developed by Dutch company DSM, is designed to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by 27%. The additive works by targeting the methane produced during the natural digestive process of cows, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.

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According to Arla’s announcement, the trial, conducted in partnership with major UK supermarkets like Morrisons, Tesco, and Aldi, is seen as an innovative step in addressing the climate crisis through agricultural practices, and 30 of Arla’s farmers will take part in the project.

On social media, many consumers are asking for more transparency regarding the contents of Bovaer and its potential risks to human health. One user commented on X: “What are the long-term health effects of this? What is Bovaer made up of?”

Another concerned shopper wrote: “Are you really this questionable to think cows’ methane makes any difference to the climate?”. Others voiced their frustration, saying they would stop buying Arla products altogether. “No longer will I buy your products. What chemicals are in Bovaer?” one user said.

Another concern raised was that the additive could have adverse effects on humans, particularly on male fertility.

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Arla Foods is facing calls for a boycott of its products, including fresh milk, after announcing a new project to trial the controversial feed additive Bovaer on its farms.Arla Foods is facing calls for a boycott of its products, including fresh milk, after announcing a new project to trial the controversial feed additive Bovaer on its farms.
Arla Foods is facing calls for a boycott of its products, including fresh milk, after announcing a new project to trial the controversial feed additive Bovaer on its farms. | AFP via Getty Images

What is Bovaer and is it safe?

Bovaer is a feed additive that helps reduce methane production in cows by inhibiting the enzyme in their stomachs responsible for producing methane. This results in a significant decrease in methane emissions. The additive has received approval for use in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Canada, and was also authorised for use in the UK in April.

The additive consists of silicon dioxide, propylene glycol, and an organic compound called 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). While some claims suggest that the additive has no adverse effects on cows, a report from the Food Standards Agency last year highlighted concerns about 3-NOP, stating that it “should be considered corrosive to the eyes, a skin irritant, and potentially harmful by inhalation” for humans handling the substance.

However, DSM, an animal nutrition specialist, countered this, saying: “In every case, the additive has proven safe for animals, farmers, and consumers.”

In a statement issued to NationalWorld, Arla said Bovaer has already been “extensively and safely used across Europe”. It added: “At no point during the trial will there be any impact on the milk we produce as it does not pass from the cow into the milk. Regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and 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.”

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In a joint statement, the supermarkets said: “Through collaboration as part of Arla’s FarmAhead Customer Partnership, we have the ability to address some of the climate challenges facing our food system. It is this collective approach that is really going to make a difference. Being involved in using a feed additive is a great way of testing out where we can drive change at scale to bring down emissions.”

Is Bovaer related to Bill Gates?

Arla Foods clarifies that Microsoft founder Bill Gates has no involvement in its products, as widely claimed. A spokesperson said: “The information spreading online surrounding our link to Bill Gates is completely false and claims relating to his involvement in our products is inaccurate. The health and safety of both consumers and animals is always our number one priority.”

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