Arla’s trial of DSM-Firmenich’s Bovaer feed additive draws mixed reactions amid consumer misinformation and farmer concerns.

Arla Foods has initiated a UK pilot trial of the feed additive Bovaer across 30 dairy farms, in a move aimed at reducing methane emissions from dairy herds by up to 45%. The trial, announced at the end of November, forms part of the cooperative’s wider efforts to cut its on-farm carbon footprint and meet its 2030 sustainability targets.

Developed by DSM-Firmenich, Bovaer is a scientifically tested additive containing 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), which works by suppressing the enzyme that triggers methane production in cows’ digestive systems. The technology has already been approved for use in markets including the EU, Canada and Australia, and is widely regarded as a key innovation for low-carbon dairy production.

Arla’s UK trial involves collaboration with major retail partners including Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi, and seeks to assess Bovaer’s performance and scalability within commercial dairy operations.

Paul Dover, UK agricultural director at Arla Foods, said:

“Reducing methane is one of the biggest opportunities we have to lower our on-farm carbon footprint. Feed additives like Bovaer have huge potential to help us get there. This trial reflects the strong industry collaboration supporting British farmers on the journey to more sustainable production.”

Consumer backlash and misinformation

Despite its environmental potential, the announcement has triggered consumer backlash and online misinformation, with some social media users falsely linking Bovaer to health risks and conspiracy theories. Viral posts have included claims about billionaire involvement and alleged safety concerns related to 3-NOP.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that milk from cows fed with Bovaer is safe for consumption, noting that the additive does not transfer into milk or meat. Regulatory authorities emphasise that Bovaer has undergone extensive safety and environmental assessments prior to approval.

Social media analytics firm Brandwatch reported that online mentions of Bovaer surged from near zero to over 71,000 posts in the days following Arla’s announcement, underscoring the scale of the public response.

Jack Bobo, food systems expert at the University of Nottingham, said misinformation often stems from misunderstanding the science:

“The concerns appear to come from misinterpretations of how the product was approved and what safety testing actually involves.”

Industry implications

The controversy highlights the communication challenges facing the agri-food industry as it introduces new climate technologies to consumers. For dairy processors and retailers, initiatives such as Bovaer represent a critical pathway toward achieving net-zero goals, but also underscore the need for transparent public engagement around innovation in food production.

If successful, the Arla trial could pave the way for broader commercial adoption of methane-reducing feed technologies across the UK and Europe in the coming years.