We get several questions about our products and whether Unna infant formula stage 1 contains Bovaer? The answer is no! Our products do not contain Bovaer and Bovaer is not allowed in organic production. All our products are organic.
Strict rules for organic baby food
Organic infant formula is subject to some of the strictest regulations in food production . These regulations apply to both:
- origin of raw materials
- how the animals are raised
- what food the animals get
- which additives are generally permitted
Since Bovaer is not allowed in organic animal husbandry , milk from cows that have received Bovaer cannot be used in organic products – and therefore not in Unna organic infant formula. Unna's products are exclusively based on Swedish, organic, milk.
For those of you who are curious, let's find out what Bovaer actually is:
Bovaer is a feed supplement used in conventional milk and meat production to reduce methane emissions from cows. Methane is formed naturally when ruminants digest their feed and is a powerful greenhouse gas. The purpose of Bovaer is therefore climate-related: to reduce the climate impact of agriculture without otherwise changing the animals' feed.
And why is Bovaer controversial and considered by some to be no good?
Although Bovaer is approved in the EU and has been assessed as safe by food authorities, there is still criticism and concern from consumers, farmers and environmental organizations.
🌱 Not natural
Bovaer is a synthetically produced substance. For consumers who prefer natural or traditional food production, this may feel wrong.
🤍 Trust issue
Some consumers are concerned about new additives in animal feed, especially when climate arguments are used. They want to know the long-term effects – both for the animals, the environment and trust in the food.
It is important to say that the criticism is often ethical and systemic , rather than based on demonstrated health risks (at present), but more research is needed.
❌ Bovaer is therefore not allowed in organic production
Organic farming in the EU (and in Sweden via and EU organic) is based on principles of naturalness, cycles and limited use of synthetic additives.
Because Bovaer is:
- synthetically produced
- a technical feed additive that does not occur naturally
This is not compatible with organic regulations . Organic farmers instead work with methods such as:
- more bait
- high-quality roughage
- adapted animal husbandry
- lower intensity per animal
to reduce climate impact.
How are Bovaer made?
Bovaer is manufactured industrially in controlled chemical processes. The active ingredient, 3-NOP, is produced synthetically and then mixed in very small amounts into animal feed.
It is usually given:
- in feed mixtures for dairy cows
- during periods when the cows are kept indoors and eat mixed feed
The amounts are very small, and the substance breaks down in the cow's digestive system. According to authorities' assessments, it leaves no residue in milk or meat, but if you want to be completely safe , you should choose organic food.
👶 Extra protection for the little ones
Infants are a particularly protected consumer group. Therefore, additional safety requirements apply to baby food and infant formula in addition to the rules for organic labeling.
Organic producers work with:
- milk from organically certified farms
- feed without synthetic additives
- full traceability from farm to finished product
This means that consumers who choose Unna organic infant formula can feel secure in the knowledge that the product is not linked to feed supplements such as Bovaer.
🧾 Clear labeling and transparency
Unna organic infant formula is marked with the EU organic leaf. The label means that the product is regularly checked by independent certification bodies.
Parents who want to avoid technical feed additives in the food chain can therefore use organic labeling as a guide when standing in front of the baby food shelf, looking for the EU leaf and/or KRAV labeling.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to support organically in the journey to making the baby food shelf even greener !
