Shoppers have threatened to boycott dairy products sold at major UK supermarkets because of fears they are ‘contaminated’ with a cancer linked additive, but experts say it is safe. Some people have taken to social media in protest and posted videos of them pouring milk down their sinks and toilets.
Arla Foods, which sells its milk and butter at Tesco, Morrisons and Aldi, has revealed that some of its farmers will be using a cow feed additive called Bovaer. Bovaer is an ingredient that inhibits enzymes in the cows’ stomach and is designed to reduce the amount of methane cows produce when they pass wind
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But Reform MP Rupert Lowe took to X to say: “I won’t be consuming anything containing Bovaer.
“I’ve requested that DEFRA undertakes an urgent review of its use in our food system.”
The additive is approved for use in the UK, and deemed safe by the regulators for animals, producers and consumers.
Rob Hobson, a registered nutritionist, said that there’s no reason to worry since Bovaer had been approved by both European and UK regulators.
He said: “They’re not going to allow something to be used if it’s not passed safety standards.”
More experts have come out to reassure the public that it is safe to use and put away any misinformation fears.
Professor Gunter Kuhnle, nutrition expert at the University of Reading, said: “Additives used in farming must undergo rigorous testing by food safety authorities both in the UK and in Europe in order to be permitted for use.”
Some social media users made claims that it caused cancer but the UK regulator the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have ruled this out.
Following studies of Bovaer on rats, the FDA ruled: “Due to the absence of malignant tumours and genotoxicity, it was concluded that the additive is not carcinogenic at the recommended inclusion rate.”
Arla has fired back and is using experts to tackle the ‘misinformation’ that is being spread online.
In a statement, Arla assured the public that Bovaer ‘never enters into milk and therefore does not reach the consumer.’
The Daily Star has approached Arla Foods for further comment.
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