Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason his Department is trialling the use of Bovaer feed additive; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using (a) kelp-based additives and (b) other natural solutions.

Bovaer is a relatively new product, therefore building on the existing evidence base, particularly on-farm in 'real life' conditions is critical to give farmers and consumers confidence in these products. Defra is not undertaking any trials of Bovaer so trials led by the dairy industry and retailers can help build this evidence base.

The Food Standards Agency has advised milk from cows given Bovaer is safe to drink. Bovaer has undergone a rigorous safety assessment and is approved for use in Great Britain.

Regulation of feed additives and materials, such as Kelp, is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency. Both synthetic and natural feed products must be demonstrated as safe for use to be added to the GB Register of Feed Materials.