The scandal surrounding the "Bovaer" feed additive that originated in the UK continues to spread in Europe and, in this case, even reached neighbouring Poland. „Agrobite“ recalls that there has been an outcry in the global media and on social networks over the testing of the feed additive „Bovaer“ by the dairy cooperative „Arla“ on some 30 farms.

According to the Dutch-Swiss company that produces it, "DSM-Firmenich AG" (DSM), the additive reduces methane emissions by an average of 30% for dairy cows and 45% for beef cattle. The application rate is 1 gram of this additive per 20 kg of feed. 

Social media outcry has erupted, with US billionaire Bill Gates having contributed to the development of Bovaer“ and Bovaer“ in dairy products harming male fertility.

Undaunted by the attack, DSM issued an official statement saying that „Bovaer“ was developed 15 years ago, has been officially approved as a safe product in the European Union, and that B. Gates‘has nothing to do with the development of the feed additive.

The scandal eventually spread to Poland, where consumers began accusing the dairy cooperative and processor „Mlekovita“ of also using „Bovaer“ in cattle feed in collaboration with „MARS/Interfood“.

„In Poland, we are implementing one of the first and largest „Bovaer“ feed additives projects in the country, in cooperation with „Interfood“ and „Mlekovita“,– this is the information published on mars.com.

This week, „SM Mlekovita“ reached out to consumers via social media to reassure them that „our products do not contain the feed additive „Bovaer“ and do not pose a risk to the health of consumers“.

„MARS/Interfood“ and „SM Mlekovita“ project did not enter into force. In the end, a small group of our milk suppliers had to participate. The project was only supposed to check whether the feed additive used actually reduces methane emissions, – „Mlekovita“ defended itself.

Among others, „Mlekovita“ argued that „based on the information provided, the feed additive „Bovaer“ is supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has undergone more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific studies and has been approved for sale in over 58 countries“. The product is completely safe, has no adverse effects on the health of dairy cattle and does not pass into milk. We would like to inform you that none of our milk suppliers use the feed additive „Bovaer“. Consumer safety and health is our top priority," explains „Mlekovita“.