Arla Foods has firmly dismissed circulating claims about its methane-reducing cow feed as misinformation, reassuring the public of its safety.
Arla Foods has recently come under scrutiny following its announcement of a partnership with major retailers Tesco, Aldi, and Morrisons. This collaboration aims to trial a methane-reducing feed, Bovaer, across 30 farms. The feed is designed to lower enteric methane emissions from cows by an average of 27%, a significant step in promoting sustainability.
Despite the project’s environmental promise, there has been a wave of concern expressed on social media. Some individuals questioned the feed’s safety, with accusations linking it to potential health risks such as carcinogenicity. Furthermore, a number of social media users speculated about a connection to billionaire Bill Gates, expressing intentions to switch retailers in protest.
Arla Foods, however, has been quick to address these worries. A spokesperson for the company stated that the information linking the feed to health hazards and external influences like Bill Gates is entirely false. The spokesperson reassured that the health and safety of consumers and animals remain their top priority.
The Bovaer feed additive has received approval from authoritative bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority and the UK Food Standards Agency. These endorsements are based on robust evidence confirming no harm to animal health or the quality of milk production. It was emphasised that the feed does not affect the milk, as it does not transfer from the cow into the milk.
Moreover, Arla is not alone in exploring sustainable cattle feed solutions. In June, another British supermarket chain, Morrisons, initiated a project with Sea Forest, an environmental technology company, to produce a seaweed-based cattle feed. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with beef products, highlighting a broader industry commitment to sustainability.
Arla Foods remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, countering misinformation with transparency and evidence-backed safety assurances for the Bovaer feed.
