Fonterra dismisses misinformation on Bovaer use in New Zealand dairy

NEW ZEALAND – Fonterra has reassured its customers through social media that it is not using the feed additive Bovaer, which is designed to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows. 

A report by RNZ highlighted that the dairy giant was caught up in misinformation regarding the use of the supplement.

The supplement was shown to reduce methane emissions by about 30% in barn-raised cattle but is less effective in pasture-grazing systems like those in New Zealand. 

Trials have indicated that Bovaer works best when consistently mixed into every bite of an animal’s feed, making it unsuitable for New Zealand’s grazing-based dairy industry.

A report by the BBC’s Inside Science podcast covered a social media backlash against well-known dairy brands using milk from lower-methane cows, with some consumers vowing to boycott these products. 

Despite food scientists confirming that Bovaer is safe and does not remain in milk or meat, social media posts spreading misinformation gained millions of views.

Following the false claims that Fonterra was using Bovaer, the company posted on social media that food safety and quality remained its top priority and clarified that the additive had not been approved for use on New Zealand farms.

Fonterra declined interview requests regarding the backlash but confirmed in an email that it wanted to address the misinformation circulating online.

 Although Bovaer is not being used, New Zealand has invested significantly in developing methane-reducing technologies, and Fonterra is exploring other solutions to lower emissions.

The company has set a target to reduce methane emissions by 7% by 2030 and is trialling alternative methods such as a bovine probiotic called Kowbucha. 

Another innovation from New Zealand company Ruminant Biotech, a methane-reducing capsule that delivers bromoform directly into an animal’s gut, is expected to be available this year.

According to Florence Van Dyke, head of sustainability at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, global food exporters must demonstrate efforts to cut emissions to remain competitive in international markets. 

She reported that climate-related disclosures have become mandatory in key export destinations, including Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and China.

These regulations often require large companies to disclose their carbon footprint, including emissions from suppliers. 

Multinational corporations such as Danone, Nestlé, Mars, Tesco, and McDonald’s have set strict climate targets and are mandating that their suppliers not only measure emissions but also develop carbon reduction plans.

John Roche, chief science advisor at the Ministry for Primary Industries, stated that trust in New Zealand’s food safety system remains high, and he is confident that most consumers would accept approved methane-reducing additives. 

He reported that while a small but vocal minority may protest such technologies, companies using Bovaer have not ceased its use, indicating broader consumer acceptance. 

Roche emphasized that the global food system contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and New Zealand farmers are likely to adopt market-driven solutions to reduce their climate impact. 

Research into low-methane cow breeds and improvements in feed strategies are also underway as part of broader efforts to meet sustainability targets.