Boycott calls grow over Arla’s Bovaer feed trial for dairy cows

Calls to boycott Arla Foods are growing after the Danish-Swedish dairy giant announced a trial for a controversial feed additive aimed at reducing methane emissions from cows.

The company, which owns the UK’s largest dairy cooperative, revealed on November 26 that it is partnering with major British retailers such as Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco to trial Bovaer, a methane-reducing product. While Arla claims the initiative will help British farmers transition to more sustainable practices, the trial has sparked significant backlash from environmental and health advocates.

Bovaer is designed to reduce enteric methane emissions from cows by 27% on average. It works by suppressing an enzyme in the cow’s stomach that produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. However, critics argue that the long-term effects of the additive on animal health and the environment are unknown.

The ingredients in Bovaer—silicon dioxide, propylene glycol, and 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP)—have raised serious concerns. Despite claims from animal nutrition experts at DSM, the company behind Bovaer, that it is safe for animals and consumers, the UK Food Standards Agency issued a report last year highlighting the potential dangers of 3-NOP. The report described it as “corrosive to the eyes, a skin irritant, and potentially harmful by inhalation,” which has raised alarms about the safety of the additive for workers handling it.

In response to the announcement, many social media users voiced concerns, with some accusing Arla of promoting chemical-laden solutions under the influence of billionaire Bill Gates, who has invested in a rival methane-reducing technology.

As a result, consumer calls for a boycott of Arla products are gaining momentum. Shoppers are being encouraged to avoid popular items such as Cravendale, Lurpak Butter, Anchor Spreadable, and Skyr, citing concerns about the introduction of chemicals into the food supply without sufficient testing or regulatory approval.

Despite the backlash, Arla remains committed to its sustainability goals, with a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. The company argues that Bovaer could play a key role in helping meet these objectives. However, as public criticism intensifies, Arla may find its involvement in the trial undermining its reputation among environmentally-conscious consumers.