Controversy Surrounding Synthetic Additive for Dairy Cows in Net Zero Initiative
Consumers are threatening to boycott supermarkets and brands that are participating in a trial involving an FSA-approved supplement for cows due to concerns about potential impacts on animal and human health.
Supermarkets are currently facing backlash from consumers after Europe’s largest dairy farmer announced that it is conducting a trial with a synthetic supplement aimed at reducing methane emissions in cows in order to achieve net zero emissions.
Following the announcement, consumers quickly took to social media to express concerns about potential health risks associated with the supplement. Some consumers are even threatening to boycott products and stores involved in the trial, including Tesco, Aldi, and Morrisons.
One social media comment directed at the supermarkets and brands participating in the trial stated, “Happy to consume dairy products from smaller, independent farms that are not part of these concerning practices.”
‘Potentially Harmful by Inhalation’
While experts at DSM, the company behind Bovaer, claim it is safe for animals and consumers, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a report last year highlighting potential dangers associated with 3-NOP, including corrosive effects on eyes and skin irritation, among others.
The three supermarkets released a joint statement indicating that the trial is a valuable opportunity to explore emissions reduction strategies at scale.
Paul Dover, the UK agricultural director at Arla Foods, emphasized the essential role of Bovaer and similar feed additives in addressing methane emissions and promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit British farmers.
Linking back to the trial, social media users speculated about potential backing from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has invested in technology for methane emission reduction from cows.
Gates Funding Rival Product
Despite Gates not being involved in the Arla trial, he invested in a competing start-up called Rumin8, which focuses on developing similar additives.
Gates has been vocal about the environmental impact of meat production and has supported artificial meat companies like Impossible Burger.
A lorry driver for Arla Foods, a dairy products company, makes a milk delivery to a Tesco supermarket in London on Aug. 3, 2021. Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images
In a health and safety statement, Arla emphasized that consumer and animal well-being is their top priority and dismissed rumors linking Bill Gates to the trial as misinformation.
‘No Impact on Milk’
They reassured the public that Bovaer has been extensively tested and will not impact the milk produced by cows during the trial, as it does not transfer into the milk.
Regulatory bodies in the UK, the EU, Australia, and Canada have approved the use of Bovaer based on evidence supporting its safety for animals and consumers.
While the National Farmers’ Union Dairy Board Chair acknowledged the potential benefits of FSA-approved products like Bovaer in methane reduction, he stressed the importance of ensuring long-term efficacy, practicality, and minimal impact on animal welfare.
Government studies have shown that consumers support such products as long as human and animal health are safeguarded, which could be confirmed through trial projects like the one organized by Arla, Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco.
This content includes contributions from PA Media.
