Bovaer is added to cow feed to reduce methane emissions. Does it get into milk and meat? And is it harmful for humans?

Concern has been rising over the use of a feed supplement, Bovaer 10, to reduce methane production in cows.

Bovaer 10 consists of silicon dioxide (basically sand), propylene glycol (a food stabiliser approved by Food Safety Australia New Zealand) and the active compound 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP).

There has been an enormous amount of misinformation about the safety of 3-NOP, with some labelling milk from herds fed the additive as “Frankenmilk”. Others have been concerned it could make its way to humans via beef.

The bottom line is that 3-NOP is safe. Let’s unpack some of the major misunderstandings.