Arla Foods, the owner of the UK’s largest dairy co-operative, has announced a new initiative aimed at reducing climate-warming methane emissions produced by cows during digestion. The company is collaborating with Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco on a project that will trial the use of the feed additive Bovaer across 30 British farms.
This has raised the suspicion among the consumers that the Bovaer which is used in cows feed may be present in the dairy products produced by Arla. Users are claiming that Bovaer is carcinogenic in nature and unfit for human consumption.
A social media user wrote, “Any Arla products could contain the additive Bovaer, (carcinogenic, unfit for human consumption) that they have decided to add to cows feed, to stop them expelling methane!!”
Fact Check-
Why is the claim viral?
Arla Foods has launched a trial to add a methane-reducing additive called Bovaer to cow feed on 30 British farms to reduce emissions. While Arla calls it a chance to reduce farm emissions, the initiative received backlash online, with some people boycotting and discarding its dairy products, claiming the additive is harmful to cows, farmers, and consumers.
What is Bovaer?
Bovaer, also known as 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) is a synthetic compound used to reduce methane production in ruminants like cows and sheep. It works by blocking an enzyme called methyl coenzyme M reductase (MCR), which is crucial for methane creation in their digestive systems.
DSM has patented and commercialized 3-NOP as a methane inhibitor for production animals under the brand name Bovaer, a feed additive. The formulation consists of silicon dioxide (60% w/w), propylene glycol, and 3-nitrooxypropanol (10% w/w)
Arla Foods tweeted about their new initiative in collaboration with Morrisions, Tesco and Aldi.
Is Bovaer Harmful?
According to the FEFAC, experts in animal nutrition, use of Bovaer has no impact on zootechnical performance. This means, the use of 3-NOP additive does not negatively affect the productivity or health of the animals. It does not reduce their growth rate, milk production, reproduction, or overall performance in farming operations.
As per FDA, On June 8, 2023, Elanco submitted a request to the FDA regarding the use of 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), marketed as Bovaer 10, to reduce methane emissions in dairy cows. The FDA reviewed the information provided and concluded that the product is likely safe for humans and animals and is expected to work as intended. However, since Bovaer 10 is an unapproved drug, the FDA stated it would not enforce certain drug regulations for now, as long as the product continues to show no safety concerns.
Elanco is required to follow good manufacturing practices, report any changes to the product, and report any adverse events or issues related to its use. The FDA emphasized that the status of Bovaer 10 as an unapproved drug could change if new concerns arise, and till then it will be treated as an unapproved animal drug.
However, FDA also warned that Bovaer is not for human use and caution should be exercised when handling the product. 3-nitrooxypropanol may damage male fertility and reproductive organs, is potentially harmful when inhaled, and is a skin and eye irritant. Personal protective gear, including eye wear, a dust mask, and impervious gloves, should be worn when handling this product. Operators should wash hands after handling.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed Bovaer 10 and found it to be safe for cows at recommended levels, with no risk to consumers or the environment. However, EFSA couldn’t confirm its safety for other animals and noted that the additive might be harmful if inhaled, irritating to skin and eyes, and possibly genotoxic when inhaled. Despite these risks, Bovaer® 10 is effective in reducing methane emissions in dairy cows and likely works for other ruminants used for milk production and reproduction.
According to a report, Bovaer breaks down in part of cows’ stomachs, where it also inhibits a specific enzyme that produces methane. As it is breaks down quickly, it is not absorbed and is not present in milk. It indirectly increases the fat content because substances that would have been converted to methanol are instead converted to fats.
Uk’s Food Standard Agency (FSA) had also declared that Bovaer, also known as 3-NOP, is a feed additive approved in countries like Great Britain, the EU, Australia, Canada, and the US. It reduces methane emissions in cows and is safe for use. Milk and meat from cows and other animals who are fed Bovaer is safe to consume because the additive breaks down in the animal and doesn’t pass into the milk and meat. The FSA safety assessment concluded there are no safety concerns when Bovaer is used at the approved dose.
FSA also clarified that Bovaer is not carcinogenic or genotoxic and poses no safety concerns to consumers, animals or the environment.
Conclusion:
Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. The use of Bovaer as an additive in animal feed does not have any health concerns for humans. Food safety organizations also declared Bovaer as a safe additive when used with precautions and within limit.
Title:Arla products contain Bovaer, which is added to their cows feed is carcinogenic to human.
Written By: Siddharth SahuResult: False
