Lurpak makers hit back at Bovaer cancer claims affecting huge UK supermarkets

Lurpak makers hit back at Bovaer cancer claims affecting huge UK supermarkets

The owners of the UK’s biggest dairy co-operative have supported its recently-announced trial to add a methane-suppressing additive into cow feed. Concerns over a new additive given to cows that could ‘contaminate’ milk and allegedly cause cancer have been dismissed by Arla Foods. The owners of the UK’s biggest dairy co-operative have backed its trial to add a methane-suppressing additive into cow feed despite calls to boycott the brand.

Arla Foods, the company that owns the Danish butter brand Lurpak, has introduced a trial of a feed additive called Bovaer in collaboration with major UK supermarkets including Morrisons, Lidl, and Tesco. The aim of the project is to address methane emissions produced by cows during digestion. The trial will involve 30 British farms testing the use of the Bovaer feed additive, which research shows can reduce methane emissions from cows by an average of 27%. However, there are lingering questions about the long-term effects of the additive on animal health and welfare, including concerns about fertility issues and cancer.

A spokesperson from Arla Foods emphasised that the health and safety of consumers and animals is their top priority. They clarified that Bovaer has already been safely used in Europe and regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority and UK Food Standards Agency have approved its use, confirming it does not harm animals or affect the quality of milk. The supplement was authorised in the UK in April and is now approved for use in various countries, including EU countries, Australia, and Canada.

The Food Standards Agency has rigorous safety assessments for all authorised feed additives, including Bovaer, to ensure they are safe and suitable for the UK market. Arla’s trial aims to explore how methane-suppressing feed additives could be implemented on a larger scale in the UK to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production. Paul Dover, the UK agricultural director at Arla Foods, highlighted the potential of feed additives like Bovaer in reducing methane emissions and improving carbon footprint at the farm level, although he acknowledged the challenges of scalability due to cost.

The National Farmers’ Union dairy board chair, Paul Tompkins, expressed the importance of ensuring the efficacy and safety of approved products to build confidence among farmers. He underscored the need for a strong evidence base to support the use of such products and noted that the trial project involving Arla, Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco could provide valuable insights.

In conclusion, while the use of additives like Bovaer presents opportunities to reduce methane emissions in the dairy industry, there is a clear need for ongoing research and monitoring of their impact on animal health, welfare, and product quality. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and farmers will be crucial to address concerns and ensure sustainable practices in dairy farming.