1
|
Kraak VI, Aschemann-Witzel J. The Future of Plant-Based Diets: Aligning Healthy Marketplace Choices with Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Food Systems. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:253-275. [PMID: 38772624 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060722-032021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The future of plant-based diets is a complex public health issue inextricably linked to planetary health. Shifting the world's population to consume nutrient-rich, plant-based diets is among the most impactful strategies to transition to sustainable food systems to feed 10 billion people by 2050. This review summarizes how international expert bodies define sustainable diets and food systems and describes types of sustainable dietary patterns. It also explores how the type and proportion of plant- versus animal-source foods and alternative proteins relate to sustainable diets to reduce diet-related morbidity and mortality. Thereafter, we synthesize evidence for current challenges and actions needed to achieve plant-based sustainable dietary patterns using a conceptual framework with principles to promote human health, ecological health, social equity, and economic prosperity. We recommend strategies for governments, businesses, and civil society to encourage marketplace choices that lead to plant-rich sustainable diets within healthy, equitable, and resilient agroecological food systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivica I Kraak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;
| | - Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
- MAPP Centre, Department of Management, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schüßler C, Nicolai S, Stoll-Kleemann S, Bartkowski B. Moral disengagement in the media discourses on meat and dairy production systems. Appetite 2024; 196:107269. [PMID: 38360400 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Meat and dairy production and consumption are the subject of ongoing public debates that touch on various sustainability issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, animal welfare, and social and health aspects. Despite extensive discussions specifically relating to the environmental impacts of livestock farming in conjunction with animal welfare aspects, there have been no substantial changes in production or consumption patterns. Moreover, the focus of extant research is usually on consumers' responses to public concerns around livestock production. In this study, we shed light on the discrepancy between the normative discourse and action of relevant value chain actors with the help of Bandura's theory of moral disengagement, which allows us to identify mechanisms that contribute to the perpetuation of unsustainable production and consumption patterns. In particular, we focus on the shifting of responsibility between actors in the normatively charged field of sustainable livestock production. We collected 109 media interviews on meat and dairy production and consumption from the years 2020-2022, including interviews with actors from agriculture, processing industries, and food retail. Using qualitative content analysis, we investigated the role of moral disengagement in the media discourse on meat and dairy production and explored differences between actors in terms of moral disengagement. We found that shifting of responsibility shows a quasi-circular dynamic of being shifted from all actors to all, in our case most frequently to consumers, politics, and (diffuse) economic forces. In addition, our analysis showed the use of social justifications, beneficial comparisons, and euphemistic labelling to be common mechanisms of moral disengagement, constituting a collective problem within agri-food systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Schüßler
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Economics, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany; University of Greifswald, Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Susanne Nicolai
- University of Greifswald, Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susanne Stoll-Kleemann
- University of Greifswald, Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, Domstraße 11, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bartosz Bartkowski
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Economics, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Economics, Große Steinstraße 73, 06108, Halle, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Milford AB, Muiruri SW. The impact of consumers' preferences for domestic food on dietary sustainability. Appetite 2024; 195:107206. [PMID: 38224838 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
A sustainable dietary transition requires knowledge of the drivers and barriers of dietary choices. We investigate the role of preferences for domestic food, as well as environmental and health concerns, as drivers for the consumption of red and white meat, fish, ready-made plant-based food products and self-identification as some type of meat reducer (flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan). A survey of 1102 consumers was conducted in Norway with questions about food attitudes, beliefs and preferences regarding health, the environment and domestic food as well as dietary habits and demographics. The results from interval and logistic regression analyses show that stronger preferences for domestic food are associated with higher consumption of red meat and a lower likelihood of eating plant-based food and identifying as a meat reducer. Health concerns are associated with higher consumption of white meat and fish, and environmental concern is associated with lower consumption of white meat and a higher likelihood of eating plant-based food. The results also confirm previous research results that disbelief regarding the negative health and environmental impacts of meat correlate with higher meat consumption and a lower likelihood of eating plant-based food. In addition, we find that people who believe that Norway is a country primarily suited for livestock production have higher consumption of meat and a lower likelihood of eating plant-based food. We conclude that to make certain consumers transition away from meat, it is important to provide domestically produced, plant-based alternatives and to implement policy measures that will generate positive storylines of improved farmer livelihoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Birgitte Milford
- Division of Food Production and Society, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Bergen, Norway.
| | - Sarah Wangui Muiruri
- Division of Food Production and Society, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Russell C, Sievert KE, Dickie S, Machado PP. The use of food processing terminology in Australian news media: a content analysis. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e112. [PMID: 38557499 PMCID: PMC11036430 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine whether ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are being discussed in news media in Australia and whether this terminology, as described in the NOVA system, is being applied accurately. DESIGN Interpretive content analysis of online and print media articles that mentioned UPFs from 2009 to 2023 in Australia. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Online and print media articles. RESULTS A total of two hundred ninety-eight Australian media articles were captured. A substantial increase in the number of UPF articles was observed between 2017-2019 and 2021-2023. The UPF concept was inaccurately explained or defined in 32 % of the articles and was frequently used interchangeably with other descriptors, such as 'highly or heavily processed food', 'junk food', 'unhealthy food', 'packaged food' and 'discretionary food'. Most of the articles had a health focus; however, sustainability interest increased, particularly in the past 18 months. CONCLUSIONS UPFs are increasingly being discussed in news media in Australia; however, the concept is still incorrectly presented in over a third of articles. This highlights the importance of improving the literacy about UPFs to ensure that messages are communicated in a way that is salient, accessible and accurate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Russell
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin
University, Geelong, VIC3125, Australia
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin
University, Geelong, VIC,
Australia
- Healthy Food Systems Australia, Melbourne,
VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine E Sievert
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin
University, Geelong, VIC,
Australia
- Healthy Food Systems Australia, Melbourne,
VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Dickie
- Healthy Food Systems Australia, Melbourne,
VIC, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food, Monash
University, Melbourne, VIC,
Australia
| | - Priscila Pereira Machado
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin
University, Geelong, VIC3125, Australia
- Healthy Food Systems Australia, Melbourne,
VIC, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin
University, Geelong, VIC3125, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ronto R, Alves Lopes CV, Bogueva D, Davis B, Bhatti AJ, Navarrete P, Chau JY. Exploring Australian News Media Portrayals of Sustainable and Plant-Based Diets. Nutrients 2024; 16:996. [PMID: 38613028 PMCID: PMC11013140 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Dietary behaviour transformation is imperative for the attainment of more sustainable food systems, including an increased intake of plant-based foods and lower consumption of red meat and highly processed foods. The influence of news media coverage on public opinion regarding dietary behaviours is significant. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how sustainable/plant-based diets have been portrayed in Australian news media. (2) Methods: The Factiva global news database was used to search news articles published in Australia between 2018 and 2020. Relevant news articles were selected if they included keywords relating to sustainable diets, plant-based diets, and meat alternatives. We used a coding protocol to extract key information, such as date of publication, article topic, and any health, environmental and economic impacts. Then, we performed a framing and thematic analysis of the data. (3) Results: From 357 included articles, more than half of the articles encouraged increasing the intake of plant-based foods (53.5%) and reducing animal-derived food intake (55.2%). Several reasons for such shift from animal protein centric Australian diets were identified throughout the articles such as health benefits (15.4%), environmental impacts (11.2%), animal welfare (4.8%), seasonality and local food intake (5.3%), avoiding overconsumption (4.5%) and food wastage (4.5%). (4) Conclusions: The predominant frame in Australian news coverage about sustainable diets has been about consumption, more plant- and less animal-based products, with little nuance about the complex interplay of diet quality and environment in influencing food choices. Australian news media should broaden its coverage of sustainable diets to include health, environmental, and economic factors to improve public understanding and facilitate informed and sustainable food choices. Further research is needed to enhance comprehension of how the audience perceives media coverage on this topic, which will provide a more thorough understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rimante Ronto
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Carla Vanessa Alves Lopes
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Diana Bogueva
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Barbara Davis
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexandra J. Bhatti
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Priscilla Navarrete
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Josephine Y. Chau
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poortinga W, Whitmarsh L, Steentjes K, Gray E, Thompson S, Brisley R. Factors and framing effects in support for net zero policies in the United Kingdom. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1287188. [PMID: 38169684 PMCID: PMC10758422 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1287188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Achieving ambitious carbon reduction targets requires transformative change to society, with behaviour change playing an important role. Climate change mitigation ('net zero') policies are needed to accelerate and support such behaviour change. This study examined factors and framing effects in public support for net zero policies in the United Kingdom (UK), making use of a large probability sample (ntotal = 5,665) survey conducted in August 2021. It found that net zero policies are widely supported, with only taxes on red meat and dairy products being supported by less than half of the UK public. Climate worry and perceived fairness were the strongest and most consistent predictors of policy support for net zero policies. The results further suggest that support for net zero policies can be increased by emphasising the co-benefits of the policies, in particular where they are beneficial for health. However, the framing effects were very small. In contrast, public support for net zero policies is lower when potential lifestyle and financial costs are mentioned. This suggests that perceived fairness of the distribution of costs and lifestyle implications of policies are crucial for building and maintaining support for net zero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Poortinga
- Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
- Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Whitmarsh
- Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kenny TA, Woodside JV, Perry IJ, Harrington JM. Consumer attitudes and behaviors toward more sustainable diets: a scoping review. Nutr Rev 2023; 81:1665-1679. [PMID: 37014671 PMCID: PMC10639109 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to move toward more sustainable diets. Although this will require radical and systemic changes across food systems, altering consumer ideologies and practices is essential to garner support for such actions. In this scoping review, the evidence on consumers' attitudes and behaviors toward more sustainable diets is synthesized and a range of factors, considerations, and proposed strategies are presented that can contribute to building the societal-level support for urgent and systems-level changes. The findings suggest that consumers, insofar as they are interested in sustainability and have the capacity to engage with the concept, primarily approach the concept of sustainable diet from a human health perspective. However, the interconnectedness of human health and well-being with environmental health is poorly understood and under-researched in the context of consumer behaviors and attitudes toward sustainable diets. This highlights the need for (1) sustained efforts from public health professionals to encourage a realignment of the term sustainable diet with its multidimensional meaning by championing an ecological public health approach in all efforts aimed at promoting more sustainable consumption, from awareness raising to policy development; (2) a broader research lens focused on the multidimensional concept of sustainability in the literature exploring consumer attitudes and behaviors; and (3) the development of multidisciplinary, clear, and evidence-based sustainable-eating messages, including holistic sustainable dietary guidance, to address knowledge gaps, minimize conflicting narratives, and build consumer agency. The findings contribute to understanding how support can be generated for the necessary structural and system-level changes required to support behavior change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara A Kenny
- Centre for Health & Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jayne V Woodside
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan J Perry
- Centre for Health & Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Janas M Harrington
- Centre for Health & Diet Research, School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guedes D, Brazão V, Roque L, Campos L, Godinho C, Truninger M, Vinnari M, Graça J. Promoting plant-based eating in meat-centric meal contexts: a field study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2619-2627. [PMID: 37712383 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Shifting from meat-centric to plant-rich diets may help to enable healthier and more sustainable food systems. Here we present the results of a 1-week intervention to promote plant-based eating in a meat-centric food context (i.e. canteen). DESIGN The intervention included environmental restructuring strategies (e.g. promotional materials and menu redevelopment) and improvements to the offer of plant-based meals. The evaluation (sales data; pre-registered) spanned 3 weeks prior to the intervention (baseline), 1 week during the intervention (immediate/short-term impact) and 3 weeks after the intervention (follow-up). Opinion surveys were also used to collect data with customers during the intervention. SETTING Canteen unit of a university campus in Portugal (Lisbon metropolitan area). PARTICIPANTS In addition to sales data (baseline: 7965 meals; immediate/short-term: 2635 meals; follow-up: 7135 meals), we used opinion surveys to assess customers' meal appraisals during the intervention (n = 370). RESULTS The odds of a sold meal being vegetarian were 24 % higher in the intervention week compared with the pre-intervention period [OR = 1·24, 95 % CI (1·10, 1·40)] and 9 % higher in the post-intervention period compared with the pre-intervention period [OR = 1·09, (95 % CI (1·00, 1·19)]. Survey data showed that vegetarian meals compared favourably to meat and fish alternatives in liking, sustainability and satiety. CONCLUSIONS A short-term, theory-driven, operationally feasible intervention was effective in promoting increased plant-based meal choices in a collective meal context. Nevertheless, these changes were not entirely sustained over time. Future studies could test whether prolonged or more transformative interventions are necessary to unlock entrenched food practices more effectively in meat-centric collective meal contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Guedes
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS_Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa (ICS-ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Lisa Roque
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS_Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Campos
- Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS_Iscte, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa (ICS-ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Godinho
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Monica Truninger
- Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa (ICS-ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - João Graça
- Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa (ICS-ULisboa), Lisboa, Portugal
- University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Richter S, Muller A, Stolze M, Schneider I, Schader C. Acceptance of meat reduction policies in Switzerland. iScience 2023; 26:106129. [PMID: 36876130 PMCID: PMC9976463 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the acceptance of different policy measures affecting meat consumption in Switzerland. We conducted qualitative interviews with leading stakeholders and elaborated 37 policy measures for reducing meat consumption. In a standardized survey, we analyzed the acceptance of these measures and important preconditions for their implementation. Measures with potentially the biggest direct leverage, such as a VAT increase on meat products, were highly rejected. We found high levels of acceptance for measures that do not directly affect meat consumption but have the potential for significant changes of meat consumption in the longer run - such as research investment and sustainable diet education. Furthermore, some measures with considerable short-term effects were widely accepted (e.g., stricter animal welfare standards, ban of meat advertisements). These measures could be a promising starting point for policy makers aiming at a transformation of the food system toward lower levels of meat consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Richter
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Department of Socioeconomics, Ackerstrasse 113/Postfach 219, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Muller
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Department of Socioeconomics, Ackerstrasse 113/Postfach 219, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Department of Environmental Systems Science, Sonneggstrasse, 338092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Stolze
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Department of Socioeconomics, Ackerstrasse 113/Postfach 219, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Schneider
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Department of Socioeconomics, Ackerstrasse 113/Postfach 219, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schader
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Department of Socioeconomics, Ackerstrasse 113/Postfach 219, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Framing Food Transition: The Debate on Meat Production and Climate Change in Three European Countries. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11120567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The link between meat production and climate change has fostered increasing social debate in recent years. Livestock is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, among other global problems attached to the meat industry. However, this debate is often presented as one-dimensional, without a comprehensive approach. As the media plays a key role in shaping public perceptions of nutrition, this study aims to examine how the matter of food transition and climate change is addressed by three centre-left media outlets from Germany (Der Tagesspiegel), the United Kingdom (The Guardian) and Spain (El País). A search including the words *meat* and *climate change* in different languages, performed over one year (2021), resulted in a sample of available news items (N = 273). Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we analysed the coverage in terms of scope and use of frames. The results showed a scant number of news items combining climate change and meat consumption, though there were some differences indicating a greater awareness in the United Kingdom. Most of the news items from the three countries applied frames based on solutions from an environmental perspective. Media attention was discontinuous and sometimes determined by political debates, which made it difficult to reflect upon the underlying issues.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mroz G, Painter J. What do Consumers Read About Meat? An Analysis of Media Representations of the Meat-environment Relationship Found in Popular Online News Sites in the UK. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION 2022; 17:947-964. [PMID: 38106462 PMCID: PMC10721226 DOI: 10.1080/17524032.2022.2072929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous scholarship suggests that elite media have tended to pay little attention to the adverse environmental impacts associated with meat consumption and production. Through content analysis of 116 articles from 2019, published on eight popular online news sites consumed by a wide range of demographics in the UK, including lower-income groups (the sector most likely to eat meat), we identify common anti-meat and pro-meat environmental narratives, solutions and recommendations, and the dominant sentiment towards both meat consumption and production. We observed a significantly greater presence of anti-meat consumption and/or production narratives than pro-meat. Over half the articles showed anti-meat consumption sentiment, with only 5% predominately in favour. 10% were against unspecified or industrial production practices, 28% were against industrial-scale farming but supported sustainable methods; and none were entirely in favour of the meat industry. These findings are reflected in the dominant recommendation, present in over 60% of articles, to eat less meat. Our results add substantially to previous media research, particularly showing the increased volume of coverage of the meat-environment nexus, varying levels of contestation around meat eating, and the division of responsibility between consumers and industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilly Mroz
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Painter
- Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Geography, University of Oxford, Oxford
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Consumer intention towards the phosphate-reduced processed meat products using the extended theory of planned behaviour. Meat Sci 2022; 193:108947. [PMID: 35973339 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2022.108947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Phosphates are essential for maintaining various quality attributes of processed meat products such as water-binding properties, texture and sensory properties and their removal would drastically change the products' technical and sensory qualities. Currently, meat industries are faced with the challenge of removing phosphates to address the consumers' demand to remove the negatively perceived synthetic additives from processed meat products. This study measured these consumers' purchase intention of phosphate-reduced processed meat products with different quality, using the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). An online survey was conducted among the consumers (n = 548) of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) to predict their knowledge and attitude towards phosphate additives. Analysis of the survey responses showed that about two-third of the participants consumed processed meat products 5-6 times per week. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the theory constructs attitude, subjective norms, perceived health risks significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the consumer behavioural intention whereas the perceived behavioural control (PBC) produced insignificant impacts. The results also revealed that the extended TPB model predicted the consumers' intention with better explanatory power (adjusted R2 = 0.46) than the original TPB model. In conclusion, various recommendations and implications were developed based on the results to improve the consumers' purchase intention of these products.
Collapse
|
13
|
An Exploratory Study of the Purchase and Consumption of Beef: Geographical and Cultural Differences between Spain and Brazil. Foods 2022; 11:foods11010129. [PMID: 35010255 PMCID: PMC8750545 DOI: 10.3390/foods11010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Beef consumption and production in Spain and Brazil are different with the consumption of beef in Brazil being three times higher than in Spain. In addition, there are variations in the economic value of production and in the traceability system. Therefore, the aim of this research was to understand the purchasing and consumption patterns using the customer behavior analysis technique of focus groups, which analyzed motivations for the consumption of beef, classifying their preferences by the intrinsic and extrinsic attributes at the time of purchase. The key aspect of the consumption of beef, both for Spanish and Brazilian consumers, was personal satisfaction/flavor. Spanish consumers were more conscious than Brazilians of the beneficial and harmful qualities that meat provides. The presence of fat was the factor that most restricted intake in both countries. The most important intrinsic attributes for Spanish and Brazilian consumers were the visual aspects of the meat: color, freshness, and the quantity and disposition of fat. The most important extrinsic characteristics were the price and expiration date. Spanish consumers see packaged meat as convenient and safe, although it is considered by Brazilians to be over-manipulated. The traceability certification on the label provides credibility to the product for the Spanish but only partially for Brazilians.
Collapse
|