British government mandates methane-reducing Bovaer feed additive for cows

British government mandates methane-reducing Bovaer feed additive for cows – but at what cost?

By ramontomeydw // 2024-12-13

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The British government has mandated that all suitable British cattle will be given Bovaer, a methane-reducing feed additive, by 2030, in an effort to tackle climate change.
Bovaer, a feed additive used in 55 countries, inhibits an enzyme called methyl-coenzyme M reductase to reduce methane production in ruminants. Despite the British Food Standards Agency (FSA) declaring it safe for both animals and humans, concerns persist about its potential long-term health effects.
The mandate has sparked consumer fears and concerns about product safety, leading to boycotts of dairy products from major brands like Arla Foods and Lurpak. Critics argue that the long-term impact on human health and the environment remains insufficiently studied.
The safety data sheet for Bovaer advises handlers to wear masks and gloves, raising questions about its safety when consumed indirectly through milk. This has further fueled consumer distrust and calls for more rigorous safety testing.
While the FSA claims that Bovaer does not enter milk and is safe for consumption, the lack of long-term human studies leaves important questions unanswered. As public trust wanes, it is essential for authorities to provide clear communication about the safety and potential risks of Bovaer.

The British government has announced a mandate that all suitable British cattle will be given Bovaer, a methane-reducing feed additive, by 2030. This decision, aimed at tackling climate change, has sparked controversy and concern among consumers, particularly about the long-term effects on human health. According to Wikifarmer, methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas. Livestock, especially dairy and beef cattle, produce CH4 as a by-product of digestion. To address this issue, scientists have developed feed additives like Bovaer, also known as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP). The additive works by inhibiting an enzyme called methyl-coenzyme M reductase, thus reducing CH4 production in the stomach of ruminants. Bovaer has been used in 55 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Downing Street's mandate follows a similar initiative by Denmark-based Arla Foods, which introduced Bovaer in a trial involving 30 British farms. The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) has declared Bovaer safe for use, stating that when used at the correct dosage, it does not cause cancer or any other health issues in animals or humans. Critics argue that the impact of Bovaer on both animals and the environment has not been sufficiently studied, and that long-term effects on human health are still unknown. The move to mandate Bovaer for British cows has not been without its challengers. One of the key concerns centers around the product safety sheet for Bovaer, which advises handlers to wear masks and gloves to avoid risks from small dust particles. Critics argue that if such precautions are necessary for handlers, why should the additive be considered safe for consumption indirectly through milk? The FSA's claims have not quelled consumer fears. Environmental and public health concerns have led to a boycott of dairy products, particularly from Arla Foods, which has been accused of "re-engineering the cow" with its use of Bovaer.

Dairy BOYCOTT spreads as consumers question safety of Bovaer

The safety concerns have also led to a widespread boycott of dairy products from major brands, including Lurpak and Arla, as consumers fear potential contamination and health risks. This has left many supermarkets struggling to maintain consumer trust, with shoppers taking to TikTok to share videos of pouring milk down the drain and boycotting products. (Related: Consumers in Great Britain BOYCOTT milk products that contain 3-NOP – a chemical fed to cows to reduce methane gas.) Perhaps the most pressing concern is the potential long-term impact of consuming dairy products from cows treated with Bovaer. While the FSA claims that Bovaer does not enter into milk and therefore does not reach consumers, this assertion is still being scrutinized. Studies have shown that in high-dose scenarios, Bovaer can increase the risk of cancer in female rats, though further analysis found that these risks were not statistically significant. However, the lack of long-term human studies leaves a significant gap in our understanding of the additive's effects on human health. Given the sensitive nature of the issue, further research is essential to establish the safety profile of Bovaer and similar CH4-reducing additives. The British government's mandate to use Bovaer to reduce CH4 emissions from cattle is a significant step in addressing climate change. However, it also raises important questions about the long-term impact of such interventions on human health and the environment. As public trust in authorities wanes in the wake of the pandemic, it is crucial for regulators to provide clear, transparent communication about the safety and potential risks associated with Bovaer. In the meantime, consumers will undoubtedly remain vigilant, seeking assurance that their food remains safe and free from untested additives. Watch this clip about the various side effects of Bovaer. This video is from the Be Children of Light channel on Brighteon.com.

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Dairy BOYCOTT spreads as consumers question safety of Bovaer

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