FOR those seeking to tackle climate change and get a fast-food fix, Burger King has the answer: a Whopper from cows that fart and burp less.

The fast-food giant yesterday announced that select restaurants in five US cities – New York, Miami, Portland, Los Angeles and Austin – will serve Whoppers made from “reduced methane emissions” beef.

The chain said adding just 100g of lemongrass leaves to a cow’s diet late in life can reduce its output of methane, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Initial study results revealed an up to 33% reduction in methane emissions from cows on the new diet in the last three to four months of their lives, said Burger King.

“At Burger King, we believe that delicious, affordable and convenient meals can also be sustainable,” said global chief marketing officer Fernando Machado.

The company, which worked with two scientists on the project, said it hopes to inspire other groups to make similar moves by making its findings public.

“If the whole industry – farmers, meat suppliers and other brands – joins us, we can increase scale and collectively help reduce methane emissions that affect climate change,” said Machado.

Burger King has already moved to respond to the changing tastes of environmentally conscious customers who limit their meat intake by offering a vegetarian Whopper last year. – AFP, July 15, 2020.