Since the announcement of a trial to feed British cows the additive Bovaer, shoppers have threatened to boycott products made by Arla, as well as three major supermarkets working with the brand.

The methane-reducing cow feed additive is considered safe by food safety authorities in the approved doses. And contrary to some claims online, Bill Gates was not involved in its development.

Arla Foods, a Danish-Swedish company which owns the UK’s biggest dairy cooperative, announced last week that 30 of its farms across the country would test the additive, named Bovaer. The company behind Bovaer - which is added in small quantities to cow feed - says it could reduce cow methane emissions by between 30-45%.

Arla Foods has insisted that the Boevar cattle food supplement will not filter through to human consumption as conspiracy theorists attack farmer-owned co-operative