Buttergate

Controversy regarding the hardness of Canadian butter

Buttergate refers to a controversy in Canada that emerged in early 2021 concerning the perceived change in the texture and hardness of butter. Consumers and experts speculated that the use of palm oil-based feed supplements in dairy cattle diets was responsible for making butter harder at room temperature.

Background

Buttermilk and milk

In Canada, butter is a staple food product, widely used in cooking and baking. The Canadian dairy industry is regulated under a supply management system, which controls the production and pricing of dairy products. In late 2020 and early 2021, consumers began noticing that butter was not softening as quickly at room temperature, leading to widespread discussion and concern.

The Controversy

The term "Buttergate" was coined as consumers and media outlets began to investigate the cause of the change in butter's consistency. The primary hypothesis was that the inclusion of palm oil-derived supplements in cow feed was altering the fatty acid profile of the milk, thus affecting the butter's texture.

Palm Oil in Dairy Feed

Palm oil is used in dairy cattle feed to increase the energy content of the diet, which can enhance milk production. However, the use of palm oil has been controversial due to environmental concerns and its impact on the nutritional profile of dairy products. The presence of higher levels of saturated fats from palm oil was suspected to be the reason for the harder butter.

Industry Response

The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) responded to the controversy by commissioning a working group to investigate the claims. They also recommended that farmers consider reducing or eliminating the use of palm oil supplements until more information was available.

Public Reaction

The Buttergate controversy sparked significant public interest and debate. Consumers expressed concerns over the quality and naturalness of their food, while environmental groups highlighted the broader implications of palm oil production.

Impact on the Dairy Industry

The controversy led to increased scrutiny of dairy farming practices and the ingredients used in animal feed. It also prompted discussions about transparency in food production and the need for clearer labeling of food products.

Related pages

• Dairy farming in Canada
• Palm oil
• Supply management (Canada)