A committee drawn up by the United Kingdom, which has written a policy plan and vision for a national food strategy, concludes that meat consumption in the United Kingdom must be reduced by 30%.
The committee was set up to conduct an independent review of the British food chain. Experts aim to make healthy food available and affordable for everyone, to protect food chains against disasters and incidents (for example, climate change and epidemics) and to ensure that food consumption and production does not harm the living environment and the environment.
Less meat part plan
Part of the plan is to reduce meat consumption in the United Kingdom. The report finds that many Britons consume the recommended daily amount of meat daily and that overconsumption unnecessarily burdens the living environment and the environment. Overall, meat consumption in the UK could be reduced by 30%.
The reactions to the plan, including from farmers' representatives, are not immediately negative. Nevertheless, they believe that the policy document, certainly in the area of meat consumption, deserves some nuance. President of the National Farmers Union Minette Batters said: "We see that report as a wake-up call, we need to regain appreciation for the food we eat. In addition, we need more balance in our diets centered on natural raw products, products produced by our British farmers".
On her view on meat consumption, she says: "Scientists and doctors see meat as a cornerstone in a healthy and balanced diet. I see the report mainly as a call to look at how our food system works. The government could try in trade agreements restrict the import of cheap meat from abroad."
Cost is risk
Although the report has been generally positively received across a fairly broad range, in addition to the recommended nuances with regard to the meat paragraph, there is some criticism of, for example, the suggestions to introduce a salt and sugar tax. For example, spokespersons for various food processors indicate that many entrepreneurs are still struggling with the consequences of the corona lockdowns and are also dealing with staff shortages. Reformulating ingredients is actually out of their reach at the moment and could lead to higher food prices.
Various parties indicate that they are curious about how the British government intends to flesh out the report. It remains to be seen whether the 30% meat reduction, which should have been achieved by 2032, will be achieved.
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