Which supermarkets are selling milk with Bovaer?

In late 2024, controversy erupted following dairy giant Arla's announcement of a trial for the feed additive Bovaer in partnership with several major UK supermarkets. The initiative, aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy cows, immediately prompted consumer calls for boycotts and sparked public concern.

Quick Summary

Several prominent UK supermarkets have partnered with Arla Foods to trial the Bovaer feed additive for dairy cows. This initiative has triggered significant consumer backlash and misinformation campaigns. The additive is used in animal feed and does not enter the milk, but some consumers still express concern. Here is what you need to know.

Key Points

• Supermarket Partners: Tesco, Morrisons, and Aldi are trialing milk from Arla-supplied farms that use Bovaer, a methane-reducing feed additive.

• Bovaer is Not in the Milk: The additive is fully metabolized by the cow and does not transfer into the milk, according to manufacturer DSM-Firmenich and UK regulatory bodies.

• Consumer Backlash and Boycotts: The trials have led to significant consumer concern and social media-driven boycotts targeting Arla brands and partner supermarkets.

• Misinformation Spread: False claims linking Bovaer to other issues like Bill Gates and unknown health risks have contributed to the controversy.

• Alternatives for Concerned Consumers: Options for consumers include seeking out independent, 'Bovaer-free' dairy suppliers or choosing non-dairy milk alternatives.

• No Specific Labeling: Due to the additive not being an ingredient in the final product, milk from the trial is not specifically labeled, making it difficult to identify.

• Industry Sustainability Efforts: The Bovaer trial is part of a broader industry effort to improve sustainability and reduce the climate impact of dairy farming.

Understanding Bovaer and the Arla Trial

Bovaer is a feed additive developed by DSM-Firmenich designed to significantly reduce enteric methane emissions from dairy cows. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its reduction is a key goal for many in the agricultural sector aiming to lower their environmental impact. The additive works by suppressing a specific enzyme in a cow's stomach that is responsible for producing methane during the digestion process. According to the manufacturer and UK regulators, Bovaer is fully metabolized by the cow and does not pass into the milk or meat.

In November 2024, dairy company Arla, which owns the UK's largest dairy cooperative, announced a trial to test the effectiveness of Bovaer on 30 of its farms in the UK. The trial, undertaken in collaboration with several major UK retailers, was seen by Arla as a way to help farmers transition towards more sustainable practices. The retailers involved committed to stocking products from the trial farms, leading to both public debate and consumer backlash.

Which Supermarkets are Involved in the Bovaer Milk Trial?

As of the announced trial, several major UK supermarket chains confirmed their participation in the initiative with Arla Foods. Consumers may find products supplied by Arla in these stores, though it is important to note that milk from trial farms may be mixed with milk from non-trial farms and the additive itself does not transfer to the final product. The supermarkets announced to be involved were:

• Tesco: A major partner in the Arla trial.
• Morrisons: Also confirmed as a partner in the UK trial.
• Aldi: Actively participating in the initiative with Arla.
• Other Retailers: Some reports have mentioned other retailers who stock Arla products or are involved in supply chains where Bovaer could be used, including Sainsbury's, Asda, Lidl, and Waitrose. However, their specific involvement in the Bovaer trial with Arla may vary or be limited to their broader sourcing agreements.

The Consumer Reaction and Misinformation

Upon the announcement of the Bovaer trial, social media platforms saw a significant increase in posts and discussions, with many users expressing concerns and calling for boycotts. Some of this reaction was fueled by misinformation and conspiracy theories. For example, baseless claims linking the product to billionaire Bill Gates or alleging unknown long-term health risks spread widely.

In response, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and manufacturer DSM-Firmenich clarified that the additive is broken down in the cow's digestive system and poses no risk to consumers. Despite these clarifications, the controversy highlights a growing consumer demand for transparency and a desire to understand the origins and production methods of their food. Some small, independent dairies even promoted themselves as 'Bovaer-free' to appeal to concerned consumers.

Navigating the Supermarket Aisle: What to Look For

Because Bovaer does not pass into the milk, it is not listed on the product's ingredients label. This lack of specific labeling for milk from cows fed the additive makes it difficult for consumers to identify products from the trial. Consumers concerned about sourcing can consider the following strategies:

• Check the Supplier: Look for milk brands supplied by Arla, as these are the ones involved in the trial. Cravendale and Lurpak are common examples, though a wider range of Arla-supplied products exist.
• Consult Retailer Statements: Retailers often provide information on their sustainability initiatives and sourcing on their websites. This can offer clues as to their involvement in trials like the Bovaer project.
• Seek Local, Independent Dairies: As seen during the controversy, some smaller, independent dairies actively advertise their 'Bovaer-free' status. Engaging directly with these producers or local farmers' markets may be an option for those seeking assurances.

Comparison Table: Sourcing Considerations

Feature	Milk from Supermarket Retailers (Arla Trial)	Milk from Independent, Local Dairies	Alternative Milk Products (e.g., Oat, Almond)
Sourcing Transparency	Less transparent, with large-scale mixing of milk; difficult to track specific farms.	High transparency, often with direct access to the farmer or explicit 'Bovaer-free' labeling.	High transparency regarding plant-based ingredients; manufacturing processes vary.
Use of Bovaer	Potentially from cows receiving Bovaer as part of the Arla trial, though the additive does not enter the milk.	Actively marketed as not containing Bovaer, appealing to consumers concerned about additives.	Does not involve dairy cows, therefore no Bovaer is used.
Market Accessibility	Widely available in major supermarket chains across the UK.	Variable; depends on local availability, delivery services, or farmer's markets.	Widely available in supermarkets and health food stores.
Consumer Control	Limited ability to choose based on additive use; relies on boycotts and brand avoidance.	High level of control; direct relationship with the producer provides assurance.	Complete control over avoiding the dairy animal-based supply chain.
Price	Generally competitive pricing due to mass production and distribution.	Can be higher due to smaller scale and specialized production methods.	Varies widely based on brand and type.

Conclusion

Major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons, and Aldi have partnered with dairy giant Arla in a trial to use the methane-reducing feed additive, Bovaer. While regulatory bodies and the manufacturer confirm that the additive does not transfer into the milk, the initiative has led to consumer concerns and calls for boycotts. Consumers seeking to avoid milk from farms using Bovaer must be aware that specific product labeling is not required and that milk is often pooled. Alternatives include purchasing from smaller, independent dairies who explicitly state they are Bovaer-free, or opting for non-dairy alternatives. Ultimately, consumers need to research their preferred brands and suppliers to make informed decisions based on their personal concerns about sustainability, animal welfare, and food transparency.

Further Reading

For more information on the trial and the science behind Bovaer, you can visit the Arla Bovaer Statement & FAQs page, which addresses consumer queries directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific milk brands are from cows fed Bovaer?

Milk brands produced by Arla Foods, such as Cravendale, Lurpak, and others, are sourced from the company's cooperative. Some milk from farms involved in the Bovaer trial may be mixed into the general supply chain for these brands, but the additive itself is not present in the final milk product.

Is milk from cows fed Bovaer safe for consumption?

Yes, regulatory bodies like the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and manufacturer DSM-Firmenich have confirmed that Bovaer is safe. The additive is fully broken down during the cow's digestion and does not enter the milk.

Does Bovaer affect the taste or quality of the milk?

No evidence suggests that Bovaer impacts the taste, quality, or natural composition of milk. The additive targets specific enzymes in the cow's stomach for methane reduction and is not present in the final milk product.

How can I avoid milk from cows that have been fed Bovaer?

To avoid milk from potentially Bovaer-using farms, you can choose brands that have publicly stated they are 'Bovaer-free' (often smaller, independent dairies), buy milk directly from local producers, or opt for non-dairy alternatives. Milk from the Arla trial is not specifically labeled, so brand research is required.

Why are supermarkets participating in the Bovaer trial?

Supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons, and Aldi are participating as part of a sustainability initiative with their supplier, Arla. The trial aims to help the dairy industry reduce its environmental footprint by lowering methane emissions, which aligns with retailers' broader climate commitments.

Why has there been a public backlash against Bovaer?

Public backlash stems from a combination of factors, including misinformation, conspiracy theories, and general consumer wariness about feed additives. Concerns over the perceived lack of transparency, long-term effects on animal welfare, and mixing of milk supplies have also been raised.

Where is Bovaer approved for use?

Bovaer has been approved for use in numerous countries globally. The EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Japan are among the regions where the additive has received regulatory approval for use in animal feed.