Arla Foods defends Bovaer trial amid cancer claims
- Arla Foods is conducting a trial for the Bovaer feed additive across 30 British farms to reduce methane emissions.
- The company has reassured the public about the safety of Bovaer, stating it does not contaminate milk and has been approved by regulatory authorities.
- Concerns and claims about potential health risks linked to Bovaer—including cancer—have prompted Arla to defend the initiative amidst growing calls for boycotts.
In the UK, Arla Foods has initiated a trial to introduce Bovaer, a methane-suppressing feed additive, into cow diets, as part of its efforts to reduce methane emissions which contribute to climate change. The trial, involving 30 farms, is a collaboration with major retailers including Morrisons and Tesco, and aims to explore the effectiveness of Bovaer in decreasing methane emissions by an average of 27% from cows' digestion. The product, which was authorized in the UK in April 2024 and has been approved across several countries, including those in the EU, is designed to support Arla's commitment to minimizing the environmental footprint of its dairy operations. Despite the promising research, the firm has faced backlash and fears that Bovaer might contaminate milk and pose health risks to consumers and livestock, leading to social media claims alleging potential cancer and fertility issues linked to the additive. In response, an Arla spokesperson reassured the public that the health and safety of both consumers and animals remain their top priority, clarifying that Bovaer does not transfer from the cow into the milk produced. The European Food Safety Authority and the UK Food Standards Agency have conducted thorough assessments, approving Bovaer due to its safety and potential to enhance the sustainability of dairy farming practices. Paul Dover, UK agricultural director at Arla Foods, highlighted the necessity of addressing concerns regarding the cost and practical implications of rolling out Bovaer on a larger scale. The company's initiative to mitigate methane emissions is seen as critical to improving their carbon footprint, but it requires collaboration with industry stakeholders and government support for effective implementation. The National Farmers’ Union also acknowledged that while approved feed additives like Bovaer could be beneficial in tackling methane emissions, there remain uncertainties about their long-term effectiveness, practical farm use, and potential implications for animal health and welfare. Overall, as the trial progresses, it will be crucial to monitor both the environmental and health impacts of Bovaer as part of broader discussions on sustainable agriculture.