June 2024
Browse Studies By Topic
Alternatives to animal products
A comprehensive review on novel synthetic foods: Potential risk factors, detection strategies, and processing technologies.
Abstract:
Nowadays, the food industry is facing challenges due to the simultaneous rise in global warming, population, and food consumption. As the integration of synthetic biology and food science, novel synthetic foods have obtained high attention to address these issues. However, these novel foods may cause potential risks related to human health. Four types of novel synthetic foods, including plant-based foods, cultured meat, fermented foods, and microalgae-based foods, were reviewed in the study. The original food sources, consumer acceptance, advantages and disadvantages of these foods were discussed. Furthermore, potential risk factors, such as nutritional, biological, and chemical risk factors, associated with these foods were described and analyzed. Additionally, the current detection methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, biosensors, chromatography, polymerase chain reaction, isothermal amplification, and microfluidic technology) and processing technologies (e.g., microwave treatment, ohmic heating, steam explosion, high hydrostatic pressure, ultrasound, cold plasma, and supercritical carbon dioxide) were reviewed and discussed critically. Nonetheless, it is crucial to continue innovating and developing new detection and processing technologies to effectively evaluate these novel synthetic foods and ensure their safety. Finally, approaches to enhance the quality of these foods were briefly presented. It will provide insights into the development and management of novel synthetic foods for food industry.
Wang, Y., Zhao, J., Jiang, L., Zhang, L., Raghavan, V., & Wang, J. (2024). A comprehensive review on novel synthetic foods: Potential risk factors, detection strategies, and processing technologies. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 23(4), e13371.
Between “better than” and “as good as”: mobilizing social representations of alternative proteins to transform meat and dairy consumption practices.
Abstract:
This article is concerned with the dynamic of social change in the domain of food consumption and seeks to understand the role played by social representations in the transformation of daily food practices. It rests on a model of change that hinges on the processes of cultivation and naturalization of new components of practices. Social representation theory is used to enhance the understanding of the ways that representations contribute to these processes of cultivation and naturalization. Using a visual and multimodal framework for analyzing online environments, the research looked at 984 Instagram posts published by 34 actors who have an interest in promoting alternative proteins in the Canadian context. Results show an emergent subfield of food consumption defined by representations of alternative proteins actively and fluidly intertwined with those of their meat and dairy counterparts. This interplay emerges as being confrontational in the cultivation phase of the model for changing practices—where alternative proteins are presented as being better than meat and dairy—but becomes much more conciliatory during its naturalization phase, in which alternative proteins are presented as being as good as meat and dairy.
Laviolette, C., & Godin, L. (2024). Between “better than” and “as good as”: mobilizing social representations of alternative proteins to transform meat and dairy consumption practices. Agriculture and Human Values.
Clean meat and muddy markets: Substitution and indeterminacy in consumerist solutions to animal agriculture.
Abstract:
Meat consumption has long been a staple in China, but its environmental and social impacts have prompted the development of a market for meat substitutes. However, the question remains whether meat substitutes can coexist with traditional food culture in the context of sustainable development. To address this issue, the researchers used a mixed methods approach to examine the factors influencing Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for meat substitutes. This study conducted an online survey to explore the demographic characteristics of Chinese consumers who are more likely to purchase meat substitutes. The online survey focused on environmental factors such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), animal welfare, energy efficiency, and waste. Differences in the intention to purchase meat substitutes across various groups were compared using a Chi-square test. The results showed that women were more likely to buy meat alternatives for environmental sustainability, over half of the vegetarians were willing to purchase plant-based meat to reduce GHG emissions, and over a quarter of younger respondents were ready to buy cultured meat to minimize waste. Nearly a third of higher-income earners were willing to purchase cultured meat to protect animal welfare. Furthermore, the study conducted in-depth interviews with experts from various industries to explore consumer perceptions of meat alternatives. Text analysis revealed factors that motivate or discourage consumers from purchasing meat alternatives, such as traditional Chinese medicine, food therapy, masculinity, and other socio-cultural factors. The study highlights the complex interplay of cultural, environmental, and social factors that shape Chinese consumers’ attitudes toward meat alternatives, providing new insights into the future of sustainable meat.
Hale, B., Dueñas-Ocampo, S., & Lee, A. (2024). Clean meat and muddy markets: Substitution and indeterminacy in consumerist solutions to animal agriculture. Food Ethics.
Consumers’ preferences for the attributes of plant-based meat in China: A best-worst scaling approach.
Abstract:
Plant-based meat could contribute substantially to nutritional security and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, its diffusion is highly dependent on consumers’ perception and acceptance. Plant-based meat products have various attributes through which nutritional, environmental, and ingredient information are delivered to consumers. To elucidate consumers’ preferences for these attributes, we conducted a large-scale consumer survey in five major cities of the largest national meat consumption market, China, with a total of about 2500 respondents. Best-worst count analysis indicated that “zero cholesterol” is the most preferred and “vegan formula” is the least preferred attribute. Mixed logit model analysis showed that “rich in dietary fiber”, “zero hormones”, and “zero cholesterol” are the three most preferred attributes. Latent class model analysis revealed that respondents with better socioeconomic conditions tended to focus more on the positive nutritional aspects of plant-based meat, whereas respondents with worse conditions tended to place a higher value on avoiding negative health impacts of traditional meat when choosing plant-based meat. This study suggests that Chinese consumers pay more attention to nutritional attributes as compared to other attributes. In addition, apparent market segments exist among different consumers. The findings of this study could contribute to the transformation of sustainable food system.
Wu, W., Yuan, R., Wang, Q., & Jin, S. (2024). Consumers’ preferences for the attributes of plant-based meat in China: A best-worst scaling approach. Future Foods, 9, 100384.
Current status and challenges for cell-cultured milk technology: a systematic review.
Abstract:
Cellular agriculture is an innovative technology for manufacturing sustainable agricultural products as an alternative to traditional agriculture. While most cellular agriculture is predominantly centered on the production of cultured meat, there is a growing demand for an understanding of the production techniques involved in dairy products within cellular agriculture. This review focuses on the current status of cellular agriculture in the dairy sector and technical challenges for cell-cultured milk production. Cellular agriculture technology in the dairy sector has been classified into fermentation-based and animal cell culture-based cellular agriculture. Currently, various companies synthesize milk components through precision fermentation technology. Nevertheless, several startup companies are pursuing animal cell-based technology, driven by public concerns regarding genetically modified organisms in precision fermentation technology. Hence, this review offers an up-to-date exploration of animal cell-based cellular agriculture to produce milk components, specifically emphasizing the structural, functional, and productive aspects of mammary epithelial cells, providing new information for industry and academia.
Kwon, H. C., Jung, H. S., Kothuri, V., & Han, S. G. (2024). Current status and challenges for cell-cultured milk technology: a systematic review. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 15(1), 81.
Embracing green eats: A preliminary exploration of willingness to try plant-based meat.
Abstract:
Demand for plant-based meat (PBM) alternatives is growing steadily in Malaysia, as reflected in the increasing number of these products sold in major grocery stores today. Unlike meat substitutes of the past, this often lacked the taste and appearance of real meat and tended to have an artificial aftertaste. The technological advancements allow PBM to closely resemble actual meat in both taste and appearance nowadays. It serves as an alternative to conventional meat in terms of texture, taste, and appearance. Therefore, this research aims to examine consumers’ willingness to try PBM. The study engaged 213 respondents, and the data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The current findings indicate that a majority of the respondents held favorable views on the characteristics of PBM, agreeing that it is a viable dietary alternative. Furthermore, the findings revealed that younger consumers exhibit higher positive perceptions and readiness to try PBM. These empirical findings provide valuable insights for local government authorities and manufacturers to understand the level of willingness to try PBM and seek to enhance awareness and recognition of PBM as a dietary alternative, complementing existing dietary choices.
Ka Wai Gan, Lau, J. W. A., Yeong, X. X. E. A., Lau, J. W. E., Lim, C. S., Chu May Yeo, & Wong, S. C. (2024). Embracing green eats: A preliminary exploration of willingness to try plant-based meat. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.
From taste to purchase: Understanding the influence of sensory perceptions and informed tasting on plant-based product purchases - An extension of the theory of planned behavior.
Abstract:
Although suggestions to shift towards plant-based diets have been proposed, and consumers have indicated their willingness to reduce meat consumption, there is a scarcity of research exploring consumers’ attitudes and intentions regarding plant-based products. Therefore, this study analyses consumers’ hedonic sensory acceptance and its impact on the attitudes and predictors associated with purchasing intentions with regard to various plant-based products. Data were collected from 132 consumers using a validated questionnaire designed on the Qualtrics platform. Statistical package for the social sciences software was used to analyze the descriptive statistics relating to consumers’ attitudes towards plant-based products, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to identify the factors influencing their purchasing intentions. The results showed that consumers have tended to adopt moderate attitudes towards plant-based products. They rated their perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and perceptions of the sensory characteristics of these products as high. However, they also reported only a moderate level of satisfaction after tasting the product. The results of the structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated that four factors significantly influenced consumers’ intentions to purchase plant-based products: perceived behavioral control, sensory perceptions, attitude, and informed tasting. This study contributes to existing knowledge and provides empirical support for explaining the factors influencing Spanish consumers’ decisions to purchase plant-based products. These findings have promising implications for the future sales of plant-based food products in Spain and other European countries.
Mustapa, M. A. C., Kallas, Z., Silande, C., Gagnaire, V., Jan, G., López-Mas, L., & Aguiló-Aguayo, I. (2024). From taste to purchase: Understanding the influence of sensory perceptions and informed tasting on plant-based product purchases – An extension of the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 16, 101188.
Modeling the significance of knowledge, beliefs, and norms on intention to consume plant-based meat alternatives in China.
Abstract:
The consumption of meat is a topic of concern because of its environmental and ethical implications. Consequently, plant-based meat alternatives have gained popularity. However, the consumption of these alternatives remains limited and understanding the factors that influence consumers’ intentions to consume them is vital. Current study aims to examine the crucial factors (i.e., knowledge of sustainable food production, problem awareness, outcome efficacy, descriptive social norms, injunctive social norms, and personal norms) that affect consumers’ intentions to consume plant-based meat alternatives, promoting sustainable and ethical food choices. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted and data from 397 participants in China were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that knowledge of sustainable food production, problem awareness, outcome efficacy, descriptive social norms, injunctive social norms, and personal norms had significant positive influences on the intention to consume plant-based meat alternatives. Findings can assist policymakers and practitioners in developing targeted strategies to promote sustainable and ethical food choices among consumers, such as improving their knowledge of sustainable food production, raising awareness of problems, promoting social norms, and fostering personal norms related to plant-based meat alternatives consumption.
Xueyun, Z., Mamun, A. A., & Hayat, N. (2024). Modeling the significance of knowledge, beliefs, and norms on intention to consume plant-based meat alternatives in China. Food Ethics, 9(2), 1-21.
Norwegian consumers’ willingness to try cultured meat.
Abstract:
Cultured meat (CM) is likely to reduce environmental footprints and health problems and improve animal welfare, but its success in the market will rely on consumer acceptance. A survey was used to investigate consumer acceptance of CM in Norway. The survey was conducted pre the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic with a total of 4,683 usable responses. A partial proportional odds model was estimated, and identical coefficients were not rejected for the two periods. Social trust, trust in food authorities, and support to green parties were positively associated with the willingness to try CM but there was no association with trust in food retailers. Respondents who emphasized natural components and food safety were less willing, and respondents who emphasized health, novelty, environment, and price were more willing. Young, male, highly educated, urban, non-religious, non-vegetarian supporters of green parties were also more willing to try CM, and marketing activities should target these groups.
Muiruri, S. W., & Rickertsen, K. (2024). Norwegian consumers’ willingness to try cultured meat. Future Foods, 10, 100409.
Scaling-up of cultivated meat production process.
Abstract:
Upscaling the production of cultured meat from laboratory flasks to an industrial scale is undeniably a great challenge, yet it is imperative for the process to achieve economic viability and commercial potential. The transition to a large-scale operation introduces a myriad of concerns spanning various themes, including the supply and storage of raw materials (cultivation media components, cells, high-quality water, microcarriers, and scaffolds) and the cell cultivation process itself (bioreactor design, mode of operation, sterilization, monitoring, and control tools), as well as downstream processes and final product development (formulation, stability, packaging, and reproducibility). The shift from a small-scale cell cultivation flask to large-scale bioreactors introduces several novel parameters that must be taken into account, such as gas exchange, shear stress, heat and mass transfers, mixing, and foaming. Expanding volumes while preserving cell productivity requires optimization across various parameters during the scale-up process, along with the identification of key parameters to be maintained constant throughout. This chapter also explores considerations on the sustainability of scaling-up cultured meat production, as well as economic aspects of the upscaled process and future developments crucial for achieving cost-effectiveness. These considerations are pivotal for extending cultured meat production beyond laboratory and pilot scales.
G., Piazenski, I. N., Soccol, V. T., & Soccol, C. R. (2024). Scaling-up of cultivated meat production process. In C. R. Soccol, C. F. M. Molento, G. G. Reis, & S. G. Karp (Eds.), Cultivated meat: technologies, commercialization and challenges (pp. 241–264). Springer Nature Switzerland.
The environmental impact of mycoprotein-based meat alternatives compared to plant-based meat alternatives: A systematic review.
Abstract:
Meat-based foods have significant environmental impacts that are lower for plant-based meat alternatives. Fungi-based mycoprotein offers another alternative to meat, but its comparative environmental impacts have not been comprehensively reviewed. We identified life cycle assessments (LCAs) of mycoprotein-based meat alternatives using ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science, and the grey literature. Studies were included if they were published in the English language from 1 January 2013 until 18 September 2023, reported process-based LCAs with functional units by product weight, and reported any environmental impact measure, system boundary, or region. Data for mycoprotein was compared against plant-based meat alternatives for base-protein, burgers, mince and sausages, and against meats. Five LCAs of mycoprotein-based products were identified. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) were lower for mycoprotein (0.73 kgCO2eq/kg) compared to soy (1.21 kgCO2eq/kg) or pea protein concentrate (1.91 kgCO2eq/kg). GHGe for mycoprotein-based product types were lower than or comparable to equivalent plant-based products, and lower compared to meat. GHGe from the ingredient production stage were generally lower for mycoprotein-based products compared to plant-based products. Further data are needed to compare land use and water scarcity impacts. Mycoprotein offers clear environmental advantages over meat, but distinctions between mycoprotein and plant-based alternatives require more comprehensive data.
Shahid, M., Shah, P., Mach, K., Rodgers-Hunt, B., Finnigan, T., Frost, G., Neal, B., & Hadjikakou, M. (2024). The environmental impact of mycoprotein-based meat alternatives compared to plant-based meat alternatives: A systematic review. Future Foods, 10, 100410.
When tradition meets innovation: A mixed-methods investigation of factors influencing Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for meat substitutes.
Abstract:
Meat consumption has long been a staple in China, but its environmental and social impacts have prompted the development of a market for meat substitutes. However, the question remains whether meat substitutes can coexist with traditional food culture in the context of sustainable development. To address this issue, the researchers used a mixed methods approach to examine the factors influencing Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for meat substitutes. This study conducted an online survey to explore the demographic characteristics of Chinese consumers who are more likely to purchase meat substitutes. The online survey focused on environmental factors such as greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), animal welfare, energy efficiency, and waste. Differences in the intention to purchase meat substitutes across various groups were compared using a Chi-square test. The results showed that women were more likely to buy meat alternatives for environmental sustainability, over half of the vegetarians were willing to purchase plant-based meat to reduce GHG emissions, and over a quarter of younger respondents were ready to buy cultured meat to minimize waste. Nearly a third of higher-income earners were willing to purchase cultured meat to protect animal welfare. Furthermore, the study conducted in-depth interviews with experts from various industries to explore consumer perceptions of meat alternatives. Text analysis revealed factors that motivate or discourage consumers from purchasing meat alternatives, such as traditional Chinese medicine, food therapy, masculinity, and other socio-cultural factors. The study highlights the complex interplay of cultural, environmental, and social factors that shape Chinese consumers’ attitudes toward meat alternatives, providing new insights into the future of sustainable meat.
Guo, W., & Wiwattanadate, D. (2024). When tradition meets innovation: A mixed-methods investigation of factors influencing Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for meat substitutes. Food Ethics, 9(2), 16.
Toward an innovation radar for cultivated meat: exploring process technologies for cultivated meat and claims about their social impacts.
Abstract:
Introduction: Cultivated meat has received growing attention since claims were made that cultivated meat can be produced more ethically and sustainably than the current meat production. However, there are still major challenges in the development of cell lines, scaffolding, growth media, and bioprocess, which need to be overcome to reach industrial production levels. Numerous technological innovations have been proposed to overcome these challenges but they have rarely been evaluated with regard to their social sustainability. Consequently, it remains unclear if and how cultivated meat would contribute towards creating inclusive food systems.
Methods: To bring more clarity, the study identifies different technological solutions that are used or developed for production of cultivated meat and identifies the positive and negative claims about the expected contributions of these technological solutions to social inclusion in food systems, using evidence from the literature review and 11 expert interviews. An innovation radar for cultivated meat is proposed to visualize the variety of technological innovations and the claims about their expected contributions to social sustainability.
Results: The technologies in the areas cell line development, scaffolding, growth media, and bioprocess are expected to have an impact on inclusion in consumption of cultivated meat. Some cell innovations are expected to raise cognitive barriers due to complex technologies that might be difficult for the consumer to understand. Cultural barriers are expected to be raised by cell innovation entailing genetic engineering and medium innovation using FBS or animal components, which is considered to harm animals. Further, regulatory barriers are expected in the EU if genetic modification is used in the production process, which concerns the areas cells, media, and scaffolding. The innovations for scaffolds are expected to mainly lower cost and cultural barriers since most technologies are already used in the food industry. Bioprocess innovations promise to lower cost barriers, however it must be considered that most of the collected data for innovations in the bioprocess domain are based on assumptions.
Discussion: The study concludes that at this point in time, the most socially sustainable approach to cultivated meat production is not obvious. Under the current technological state of the art, it is not thinkable that production and consumption of cultivated meat could be socially inclusive. As it remains poorly understood if technologies for cultivated meat production could raise or lower barriers to inclusive consumption and production, further research is needed.
Woelken, L., Weckowska, D. M., Dreher, C., & Rauh, C. (2024). Toward an innovation radar for cultivated meat: exploring process technologies for cultivated meat and claims about their social impacts. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8.
Why do people purchase plant-based meat products from retail stores? Examining consumer preferences, motivations and drivers.
Abstract:
Plant-based meats (PBMs) are being projected as novel and sustainable alternative protein sources amid rising ecological and health issues associated with traditional meat production and consumption. Notably, the plant-based meat retail market is at its nascent stage, and there remains a dire need to comprehend the meat-eater’s perceived green values, attitudes, and intentions towards PBM for its commercial success. To discern the complex psychological mechanism of meat eaters’ perceptions toward PBM, the current study aims to extend and integrate the theory of consumption values (TCV) and the theory of value-attitude-behavior (VAB) in the PBM context. Partial least square-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze cross-sectional data collected from a sample comprising 458 meat eaters approached through the mall intercept technique. Consumers’ green perceived values (GPV) emerged as a vital background factor in influencing consumers’ involvement and attitude towards PBMs. Also, consumers’ involvement showed a significant partial mediating effect between their GPV and attitude towards PBM. Further, consumers’ attitudes towards PBM displayed a relatively substantial positive impact on addition intention compared to replacement intention. This study provides retailers with a nuanced understanding of the value proposition of PBMs through the lens of green consumption values, which may facilitate the value-based positioning of PBM products. Further, it may help policymakers project PBMs as a novel alternative to traditional meat, which can potentially address consumers’ ecological (e.g., carbon emissions, excessive land and water usage) and health concerns associated with conventional meat production and consumption.
Saini, M., Prakash, G., Yaqub, M. Z., & Agarwal, R. (2024). Why do people purchase plant-based meat products from retail stores? Examining consumer preferences, motivations and drivers. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 81, 103939.
Animal product consumption
Animal lives affected by meat consumption trends in the G20 countries.
Abstract:
Trends in dietary habits have far-reaching implications, but their impact on animals remains insufficiently explored, as many people continue to dissociate meat from individual animal lives. This research study quantifies the temporal development of the number of animal lives affected by meat consumption within the G20 countries between 1961 and 2020 and forecasts for 2030. Production (including slaughter) and historical and projected food balance data were analyzed to explore these trends. The results indicate an increase in the number of animal lives affected due to increasing consumption, but discrepancies exist between different countries and animal categories. Increases are stronger in emerging countries, such as China, than in more industrialized countries, such as Germany. Overall, the number of animals affected grows 1.7 times as fast as meat consumption due to a shift towards poultry. Poultry birds are affected by far the most, and their dominance in number only slightly reduces when considering the differentiated moral values of the animals, reflecting their sentience. Until 2030, we can expect further increases in the number of animal lives affected. The findings highlight the need for progressive legislation to address the complex trade-offs and challenges in reversing the increasing trends in the number of animals affected.
van der Laan, S., Breeman, G., & Scherer, L. (2024). Animal lives affected by meat consumption trends in the G20 countries. Animals, 14(11), 1662.
Animal welfare labels and consumer demand.
Abstract:
Consumers are increasingly expressing their concerns over animal welfare standards in agricultural food production. However, little is known on whether consumers would actually change their purchase behavior if presented with accurate information on the conditions under which animals are raised. This paper examines consumer responses to a sector-wide voluntary introduction of animal welfare labels on fresh meat products in the German grocery retailing sector. The authors exploit the quasi-experimental variation in consumers’ exposure to the label to measure the impact on (i) choices of meat labeled with the highest animal welfare standard, and (ii) the change in the willingness to pay for meat associated with the highest animal welfare standard. This study reveals a noteworthy impact of the animal-welfare-label introduction. The authors find the share of households’ meat purchases with the highest animal welfare standards goes up by 2.19 percentage points and the willingness to pay increases by 0.31 (EUR/500g) for the average German household after the label introduction. Examining heterogeneity across different demographic groups, the authors further find the younger generations show the strongest response to the animal welfare labels.
Kotschedoff, M. J. W., Pachali, M. J., & Rao, A. (2024). Animal welfare labels and consumer demand. Available at SSRN 4887912.
Do we accurately measure what we consume?
Abstract:
Understanding how consumption patterns affect the environment and shape well-being hinges on the rationale that the data collected on what is consumed, who consumes it, and where it is consumed are indeed accurate. To identify these consumption patterns and recommend corresponding policies, researchers and policy makers often rely on national surveys. Studies have explored the accuracy of individual surveys and the level of agreement across surveys of the same type (e.g. household expenditures), but no studies have compared representative national surveys measuring consumption in different ways. This study compares household consumption measured as expenditures and as material consumption (i.e. physical units) to assess how well we currently measure what we consume. We use multiple rigorous, national surveys to estimate meat consumption, household energy use, and private automobile use in the United States, with consumption profiles parsed by affluence, race/ethnicity, and education. Our results indicate that commonly used surveys may not accurately track important aspects of household consumption. For meat consumption, which included 30 consumption profiles detailing the consumption patterns across different demographic characteristics and meat types (e.g. kilograms beef consumed/capita for Caucasians), there is considerable disagreement between data sources for 20 profiles. By contrast, national surveys accurately measure household energy and transport (disagreement for four profiles). Our findings indicate that national surveys more accurately measure consistently tracked, standardized consumables like electricity than irregularly tracked, variable goods such as food. These results cast doubt on studies that use national surveys to draw conclusions about the how the environmental impacts of food, and, potentially, other goods (e.g. manufactured goods) vary across demographic groups. Overcoming this challenge will necessitate new surveys, updating legacy databases, and harnessing breakthroughs in data science.
Goldstein, B. P., Gounaridis, D., Newell, J. P., Pelton, R., & Schmitt, J. (2024). Do we accurately measure what we consume? Environmental Research Letters, 19(8), 084006.
Minding some animals but not others: strategic attributions of mental capacities and moral worth to animals used for food in pescatarians, vegetarians, and omnivores.
Abstract:
While moral concern for animals has become increasingly important for both consumer food choice and food policy makers, previous research demonstrated that meat eaters attribute lower moral status and mental capacities to animals raised for meat compared to non-food animals. The current research investigated whether this strategic flexibility in moral concern and mind perceptions also occurs when considering aquatic food animals and animals used for dairy and egg products, and the degree to which these concerns and perceptions are evident in pescatarians and vegetarians. We compared perceptions (mind attributions and moral concern) of land food animals versus aquatic food animals, and of animals in the meat versus dairy and egg industry between omnivores (n = 122), pescatarians (n = 118), vegetarians (n = 138), vegans (n = 120), and flexitarians (n = 60). Pescatarians scored lower than other dietary groups on moral concern and mind attribution for aquatic animals relative to farmed land animals. Unlike the other dietary groups, pescatarians and vegetarians scored lower on moral concern and mind attribution for dairy than beef cows and for layer chickens than broiler chickens. These findings demonstrate that pescatarians and vegetarians were flexible in their moral thinking about different types of food animals in ways that suited their consumption habits, even when the same animal was evaluated (e.g., dairy vs beef cows). This research highlights the psychological barriers that might prevent people from reducing animal product consumption and may need to be addressed in interventions to encourage transitioning towards more plant-based diets.
Ioannidou, M., Francis, K. B., Stewart-Knox, B., & Lesk, V. (2024). Minding some animals but not others: strategic attributions of mental capacities and moral worth to animals used for food in pescatarians, vegetarians, and omnivores. Appetite, 107559.
Shifting norms, static behaviour: effects of dynamic norms on meat consumption.
Abstract:
While decreasing their meat consumption is one of the most impactful behaviours an individual may carry out to reduce their carbon emissions, it is still a minority behaviour in many parts of the world. Research suggests that communicating information about changing ‘dynamic’ norms may be a useful tool for changing attitudes and behaviours in the direction of those currently held by the minority. This study uses a 2 × 2 mixed design (norm type [dynamic/static] × visual cue [present/absent, and a no-task control), and a follow-up assessment after one week to investigate the effect of making dynamic norms salient on various meat consumption outcomes: attitudes towards meat consumption, interest in reducing one’s own meat consumption, intentions to reduce one’s own meat consumption and self-reported meat consumption. We used an online sample of British participants (N = 1294), ranging in age 18–77 (M age = 39.97, s.d.age = 13.71; 55.8% female). We hypothesized that: (i) dynamic norms will positively influence meat consumption outcomes; (ii) visual cues will accentuate the difference between norm conditions; (iii) using a visual cue will enhance the effect of dynamic norms; and (iv) any effects of dynamic norms will endure over a period of one week. We found no positive effect of dynamic norms (versus static norms) on any outcome at time 1, and no positive effect on changes in outcomes from time 1 to time 2. However, we found a positive interaction of norm type and visual cue at time 1 (although not from time 1 to time 2): the addition of a visual cue to dynamic norm messages enhanced the positive effect of the message at time 1 (but did not enhance the changes occurring from time 1 to time 2). Analyses for changes in self-reported meat consumption did not reach our evidential threshold. We discuss the practical and theoretical implications of these findings.
Aldoh, A., Sparks, P., & Harris, P. R. (2024). Shifting norms, static behaviour: effects of dynamic norms on meat consumption. Royal Society Open Science, 11(6), 240407.
Animal welfare
A phenomenological review of farmers’ experiences in implementing animal welfare on dairy farms: A qualitative approach.
Abstract:
This qualitative phenomenological review examines the experiences of dairy farmers in implementing animal welfare practices on their farms. Through semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled farmers actively engaged in animal welfare initiatives, the study explores the nuanced perspectives, challenges, and adaptive strategies employed in integrating welfare standards into daily farm operations. Key themes emerged around the complex decision-making processes farmers navigate, balancing economic considerations with ethical responsibilities toward animal well-being. Findings highlight farmers’ intrinsic motivations rooted in care and compassion for their animals, alongside external pressures from evolving societal expectations and regulatory frameworks. The study underscores the pivotal role of supportive networks and information-sharing among farmers in fostering resilience and promoting continuous improvement in animal welfare practices. Ethical considerations, such as transparency and accountability, are central to farmers’ narratives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust with consumers and stakeholders. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the lived experiences of dairy farmers, informing efforts to enhance animal welfare and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the dairy industry.
Pratiwi, A. (2024). A phenomenological review of farmers’ experiences in implementing animal welfare on dairy farms: A qualitative approach. Journal of Zootechnia.
A pilot study: tail tip lesions in dairy cows – an unnoticed animal welfare issue?
Abstract:
The welfare of dairy cows is becoming increasingly important. While diseases like mastitis and lameness are common ailments, injuries to the tail tip go largely unnoticed. This study aimed to investigate whether tail tip lesions, which are mostly described in beef cattle, also occurred on n=5 dairy farms, along with determining what type and at what frequency. The study consisted of two phases. During the first part of the study, tail tips of 78 dairy cows were examined over a period of 6 months; based on these results, we developed a training card on tail tip lesions in dairy cows, which was used in part two of the study to train further examiners to inspect four more flocks. In total, we collected n=3587 tail records from n=513 Holstein and n= 128 Simmental dairy cows. The overall frequency regarding all types of lesions ranged between 84.0 % (±2.0) and 94.1 % (±1.8) in Holstein herds and between 97.0 % (±2.2) and 99.0 % (±2.2) in Simmental herds. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of tail tip lesions in German dairy cows. We concluded that tail tip lesions might be a frequent yet unnoticed condition in German dairy cows.
Kremer-Rücker, P. V., Abel, K. M., Lorenz, L. M., Schmidt, C., Lechner, M., Schubert, K. F., Köhler, A. A., Meier, S., & Scholz, A. M. (2024). A pilot study: tail tip lesions in dairy cows – an unnoticed animal welfare issue? Archives Animal Breeding, 67(2), 271–284.
Animal welfare studies in religious and Halal slaughter studies: A literature review.
Abstract:
Animal welfare in the process of slaughtering animals by the method of removal or without ingestion is still highly debatable. This study aims to systematically review and map the literature in publications on the theme of Animal Welfare in religious slaughter studies. This study used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) system in the process of screening articles that were the subject of research. From 375 halal research articles and slaughter rituals indexed by Scopus, 32 articles on animal welfare at the time of religious slaughter were selected and analyzed. The results showed the development of studies on Animal Welfare through the number of publications, authors, countries, fields of science, sources of publications, and articles cited. In this study, two classifications were found, namely, the method of slaughter using stunning and slaughter without prohibited stunning. The study with stunning examines the pain of slaughtered animals, the quality of meat produced at slaughter methods, and ethical considerations and practices of using animals in rituals. The study without stunning examines the effects that occur due to no stunning, the halal of the meat, the treatment of animals during preslaughter without stunning, and stunning after the incision of the Neck Vessels. This study explores some of the latest research development lines from both classifications. This study is expected to be a reference by researchers with the theme of animal welfare when conducting new research on the development of topics on animal welfare during the religious slaughter process.
Alam, A., El Ashfahany, A., Aisyah, S., Ramadayanti, A., & Tabash, M. I. (2024). Animal welfare studies in religious and Halal slaughter studies: A literature review. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 12(3), 2024019.
Animal-based welfare indicators for dairy cows and their validity and practicality: a systematic review of the existing literature.
Abstract:
Animal welfare is of increasing importance, with consumers preferring animal products made with ethical practices due to growing awareness. This shift highlights the need for reliable methods to evaluate welfare. This systematic review aims to assess the validity of current animal-based welfare indicators for dairy cows to aid farmers and agricultural professionals in evaluating and improving welfare amidst the lack of a clear legislative definition. The literature search spanned five databases: CAB Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Livivo, covering publications in English and German from 2011 to 2021. Specific search terms were employed, and abstracts were screened for relevance. Publications were categorized based on exclusion criteria, with a final verification process conducted by three independent scientists. Research highlights correlations between welfare measures, farm characteristics and innovative indicators like hair cortisol concentration. Farming systems and housing methods significantly affect welfare, with pasture-based systems generally resulting in reduced lameness and improved behavior. Proper housing design and management practices are important, as they influence indicators like lameness and cleanliness. Heart rate variability and heart rate monitoring provide insights into dairy cow stress levels during milking and other stressors, making them valuable for welfare assessment. Biomarker research emphasizes the need to balance productivity and health in breeding strategies, as high milk production alone does not indicate good welfare. Behavioral studies and the human-animal relationship are key to understanding welfare. Precision Livestock Farming offers real-time assessment capabilities, although validation is needed. Stress physiology is complex, and while cortisol measurement methods are promising, further research is necessary. Assessment tools like the Animal Needs Index and routine herd data analysis are valuable for identifying welfare concerns. Key findings highlight the WQ® protocol’s effectiveness and versatility, the challenge of its time demands, and the DCF protocol’s promise for more practical and efficient welfare assessments. Commercial animal welfare audits should prioritize easily observable indicators and herd records due to logistical constraints in measuring biomarkers or heart rate variability. This focus on easily accessible indicators, such as body condition score, lameness, claw health, cleanliness, and somatic cell count allows effective welfare assessments, enabling prompt action to enhance wellbeing.
Linstädt, J., Thöne-Reineke, C., & Merle, R. (2024). Animal-based welfare indicators for dairy cows and their validity and practicality: a systematic review of the existing literature. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1429097.
Attitude of scientists and students towards animal welfare in Haryana.
Abstract:
Animal welfare and welfare management have recently risen to the forefront of the public’s consciousness and political discourse. The methodology is based on the idea that animals ought to be treated as sentient creatures. The method in which animals are treated greatly depends on one’s attitude towards animal welfare. Animal welfare’s more recent elements are changing, and veterinary scientists have a significant impact on both animal productivity and welfare. About the attitudes of scientists and students towards animal welfare, no studies have been done in Haryana. So, an investigation was conducted in Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar, Haryana to assess the attitude favourableness of scientists and students towards animal welfare. Out of all the faculty members of LUVAS, a sample of 50 faculty members was chosen using simple lottery method. Similarly, a random sample of ten students from each class of the LUVAS (1–5 years) B.V.Sc. and A.H. programme was selected. The Animal Attitude Scale, created by Herzog et al., was used to gauge the attitude (1991). It was found that both staff members and students generally had favourable attitude regarding animal welfare.
C., . G., Malik, A., . S., . K., Jaiswal, U. K., & Bala, A. (2024). Attitude of scientists and students towards animal welfare in Haryana. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 8(6S), 764–767.
Faunalytics Index – June 2024.
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This month’s Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about illuminated fishing nets, the scale of egg consumption in the U.S., funding for animals in Africa, and more. Each month, our Faunalytics Index provides a round-up of data, statistics, and facts gleaned from the most recent research we’ve covered in our library. Our aim is to give you a quick overview of some of the most eye-catching and informative bits of data that could help you be more effective in your advocacy for animals. If you want to know more about any given statistic, follow the links below, read the source articles, and dive deeper into the issues.
orzechowski, karol. (2024). Faunalytics Index – June 2024. Faunalytics.
How is pig welfare assessed in studies on farrowing housing systems? A systematic review.
Abstract:
Farrowing crates restrict sows’ movement during farrowing and lactation, compromising their welfare and raising public concern. Unlike the gestation stalls, farrowing crates have been banned in only a few countries, yet many others have begun discussing phasing out this system. Scientific evidence on pig welfare should guide the transition towards sustainable farrowing housing systems, and it is essential to ensure sound scientific methodologies are in place behind the evidence. This systematic review, therefore, aims to investigate how sow and piglet welfare in different farrowing housing systems has been assessed in peer-reviewed empirical studies and to discuss the implications of animal welfare science for driving changes in farrowing housing systems. The current review did not include piglet crushing because this topic has been systematically reviewed. Literature searches in Scopus and Web of Science identified 708 articles, of which 65 were retained after screening for inclusion criteria. Loose farrowing pens, group housing, outdoor farrowing, hinged crates, and ellipsoid crates were identified in the reviewed literature as alternatives to the conventional farrowing crates. The parameters used to measure animal welfare were based on behaviour, physiology, performance, and health. No study investigated the impacts of farrowing housing systems on emotional indicators of sow welfare, and studies rarely assessed the sow-piglet interactions. Within the same housing type, studies varied in their design and management practices (e.g., bedding and enrichment provision), which made cross-study comparisons difficult. Based on the existing evidence, more research is needed to determine which alternative farrowing system promotes better overall sow and piglet welfare. This systematic review identified structural knowledge gaps in the scientific assessment of pig welfare in farrowing housing systems. We propose how future research can address these gaps and how study designs should focus on specific housing aspects to allow an overall conclusion on the effect of farrowing housing systems on pig welfare. We also highlight the importance of considering the public’s expectations while meeting the needs of animals and producers so that the proposed alternative farrowing systems can be sustainable and prevent economic losses for the pig industry’s supply chain in the long term.
Vandresen, B., Chou, J.-Y., & Hötzel, M. J. (2024). How is pig welfare assessed in studies on farrowing housing systems? A systematic review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 275, 106298.
Integrating on-farm animal welfare assessments into regulatory frameworks: Challenges and solutions for improved animal care.
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Animal welfare is a complex issue of growing importance in global agriculture. This chapter examines the challenges of integrating on-farm animal welfare assessments into Indian regulatory frameworks. It reviews theoretical approaches such as ethology, the Five Freedoms, and ecofeminism, emphasizing animal-based measures like body condition scoring for direct evaluation of animal well-being. These challenges include achieving consistent standards across India’s diverse farming systems, ensuring economic feasibility for farmers, and bridging potential gaps in understanding between farmers and regulators. This chapter advocates for a collaborative approach, involving industry, government, animal welfare science, and consumers, to develop practical, science-based regulatory frameworks tailored to Indian agriculture. Furthermore, technology, including precision livestock farming and sensors, offers promising tools to enhance assessment accuracy, efficiency, and affordability. Drawing on global models from Canada, the EU, and New Zealand, this chapter advocates for integrating on-farm welfare assessments into India’s agricultural regulations, tailored to the specific conditions of smallholder farms and indigenous livestock. This chapter calls for a collaborative and science-based approach to drive continuous improvement in animal care on Indian farms, promoting both animal welfare and agricultural sustainability.
Kerketta, S., Kumar Singh, A., Kumar, C., Kumar Rajak, S., & Mandal, B. (2024). Integrating on-farm animal welfare assessments into regulatory frameworks: Challenges and solutions for improved animal care. In R. Payan-Carreira (Ed.), From Farm to Zoo – The Quest for Animal Welfare [Working Title] (Vol. 0). IntechOpen.
Oxidative status: A general but overlooked indicator of welfare across animal species?
Abstract:
Because of their ubiquity, plasticity, and direct effects on the nervous system, markers of oxidative status may be of great value to assess animal welfare across species and conditions in the wild. However, welfare biologists have not yet seized this opportunity, possibly because the validity of these markers as welfare indicators remains questionable. A validation process was, therefore, performed here using a meta-analytical approach considering three conditions assumed to impair the welfare of animals. With very few exceptions, two of the four considered markers consistently varied across these negatively-valenced conditions. By highlighting the current underrepresentation of markers of oxidative status in animal welfare studies, and by concretely illustrating that some of these markers can consistently reflect negative affective states, this article aims to encourage biologists to include these physiological markers in their toolbox to better measure, monitor, and perhaps also improve the welfare of animals in their natural habitat.
Beaulieu, M. (2024). Oxidative status: A general but overlooked indicator of welfare across animal species? Bioessays: News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, e2300205.
Welfare of sheep and goats during killing for purposes other than slaughter.
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Sheep and goats of different ages may have to be killed on-farm for purposes other than slaughter (where slaughter is defined as killing for human consumption) either individually (i.e. on-farm killing of unproductive, injured or terminally ill animals) or on a large scale (i.e. depopulation for disease control purposes and for other situations, such as environmental contamination and disaster management) outside the slaughterhouses. The purpose of this opinion was to assess the hazards and welfare consequences associated with the on-farm killing of sheep and goats. The whole killing procedure was divided into Phase 1 (pre-killing) – that included the processes (i) handling and moving the animals to the killing place and (ii) restraint of the animals before application of the killing methods and Phase 2 – that included stunning and killing of the animals. The killing methods for sheep and goats were grouped into three categories: (1) mechanical, (2) electrical and (3) lethal injection. Welfare consequences that sheep and goats may experience during each process were identified (e.g. handling stress, restriction of movements and tissue lesions during restraint) and animal-based measures (ABMs) to assess them were proposed. During application of the killing method, sheep and goats will experience pain and fear if they are ineffectively stunned or if they recover consciousness. ABMs related to the state of consciousness can be used to indirectly assess pain and fear. Flowcharts including ABMs for consciousness specific to each killing method were included in the opinion. Possible welfare hazards were identified for each process, together with their origin and related preventive and corrective measures. Outcome tables linking hazards, welfare consequences, ABMs, origins, preventive and corrective measures were developed for each process. Mitigation measures to minimise welfare consequences were proposed.
EFSA AHAW Panel (EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare), Nielsen, S. S., Alvarez, J., Bicout, D. J., Calistri, P., Canali, E., Drewe, J. A., Garin-Bastuji, B., Gonzales Rojas, J. L., Gortázar Schmidt, C., Herskin, M., Miranda Chueca, M. Á., Padalino, B., Roberts, H. C., Spoolder, H., Stahl, K., Velarde, A., Viltrop, A., Winckler, C., … Michel, V. (2024). Welfare of sheep and goats during killing for purposes other than slaughter. EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority, 22(6), e8835.
Aquatic animal welfare
Effect of stocking density on the physico-chemical characteristics of pond water and survival rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Abstract:
The quality of culture water is an important parameter in fish farming as it is the major factor that affects the survival, growth, reproduction and health of the culture animal. With fish stocking density, the physical and chemical characteristics of pond water changes frequently to the extent that affects the performance of the fish. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of stocking density on the physico-chemical characteristics of pond water and the survival rate of Nile tilapia. The study was conducted at the Fishery Research Center in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, from February to August 2021. Throughout the culture period, the physical water quality parameters of each treatment were recorded twice a day and the measurements of fish growth and chemical parameters of pond water were taken every month. Data recorded during the experimental period was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the variation between the different means was compared using the SAS software version 9.4. The result of this experiment indicated the existence of significant differences in most water quality parameters at different densities of fish stocking. There was also a difference in the survival of the experimental fishes between treatments. However, the difference in fish survival was not significant and there was no problem on the welfare of fishes. Temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity, and salinity ranged between 22.07 °C to 29.43 °C, 3 mg/L to 8.15 mg/L, 6.4 to 10.39, 178 µS/cm to 241µS/cm, and 0.035 psu to 0.12 psu respectively. Secchi depth and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) ranged between 22 cm to 39 cm and 0.0153µg/L and 0.0513 µg/L respectively. The differences in DO, pH, conductivity, secchi depth, and chl-a between treatments were significant with stocking density (p < 0.05). The variation in the level of ammonia was highly significant (p < 0.001) between treatments and water quality deteriorated with density. However, the mean ranges of Physico-chemical water quality parameters were at the recommended range for tilapia culture and hence the survival rate of O. niloticus at different stocking densities was higher. For the sake of getting higher production per unit area, it is recommended to stock 7 fishes/m2.
Mulugeta, H., Yalew, A., Tilahun, G., & Melaku, A. (2024). Effect of stocking density on the physico-chemical characteristics of pond water and survival rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 9(1), 97–109.
Fish tracking, counting, and behaviour analysis in digital aquaculture: A comprehensive review.
Abstract:
Digital aquaculture leverages advanced technologies and data-driven methods, providing substantial benefits over traditional aquaculture practices. Fish tracking, counting, and behaviour analysis are crucial components of digital aquaculture, which are essential for optimizing production efficiency, enhancing fish welfare, and improving resource management. Previous reviews have focused on single modalities, limiting their ability to address the diverse challenges encountered in these tasks comprehensively. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of aquaculture digital technologies, including vision-based, acoustic-based, and biosensor-based methods. We examine the advantages, limitations, and applications of these methods, highlighting recent advancements and identifying critical research gaps. The scarcity of comprehensive fish datasets and the lack of unified evaluation standards, which make it difficult to compare the performance of different technologies, are identified as major obstacles hindering progress in this field. To overcome current limitations and improve the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of fish monitoring systems, we explore the potential of emerging technologies such as multimodal data fusion and deep learning. Additionally, we contribute to the field by providing a summary of existing datasets available for fish tracking, counting, and behaviour analysis. Future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the need for comprehensive datasets and evaluation standards to facilitate meaningful comparisons between technologies and promote their practical implementation in real-world aquaculture settings.
Cui, M., Liu, X., Liu, H., Zhao, J., Li, D., & Wang, W. (2024). Fish tracking, counting, and behaviour analysis in digital aquaculture: A comprehensive review. arXiv preprint arXiv:2406.17800. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.17800
Evaluation of non-penetrative captive bolt stunning as a method of slaughter for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus).
Abstract:
Introduction: Percussive stunning is a widely used and ethically supported method of stunning fish per welfare standards as part of a one- or two-step slaughter process. In this study, the use of a non-penetrative captive bolt (NPCB) gun was evaluated as an effective one-step method of improving welfare for juvenile and adult farmed white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) at slaughter.
Methods: A Jarvis HPS-1 NPCB was operated at pressures of 120, 135, and 145 PSI (827.37, 930.79, and 999.74 kPa, respectively) for juvenile sturgeon (n = 3 sturgeon per operating pressure) and 175, 200, and 225 PSI (1206.58, 1378.95, and 1551.32 kPa, respectively) for adult sturgeon (n = 3 sturgeon per operating pressure). Following a single strike, fish were assessed for jaw relaxation and a somatic response before being exsanguinated and transferred to an ice slurry. An hour after slaughter, fish heads were collected, and a section of cartilage containing the brain was removed and fixed in formalin for histological analysis of brain death. To evaluate fish recovery, juveniles (n = 100) and adult female sturgeon (n = 65) were monitored for two hoursafter a single exposure to 145 and 225 PSI, respectively.
Results: Histology results showed there was an effect between operating pressure and intracranial hemorrhage in juvenile sturgeon (p = 0.024). There was a greater meningeal-to-cerebral hemorrhage at 135 PSI compared to the 120 PSI group (p = 0.020) and a trend towards increased tissue damage from 120 PSI to 145 PSI (p = 0.056). Adults showed no significant difference in meningeal hemorrhage at any operating pressure. When investigating recovery rates, NPCB successfully stunned 100% of juvenile sturgeon at 145 PSI, and 225 PSI stunned 90% of adult sturgeon without recovery.
Discussion: These results demonstrate that the use of an NPCB gun is an improvement in animal welfare compared to repeated strikes, but a single application did not produce histological brain death; further research should be conducted to determine optimal pressures that result in immediate brain death.
Gross, J. A., Bowman, J. R., Imai, D. M., Wong, T. S., Duarte, T. L., Boles, S. E., McGorrin, R. J., & Yang, X. (2024). Evaluation of non-penetrative captive bolt stunning as a method of slaughter for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). Frontiers in Animal Science, 5.
How accurate is your average? Considering error when counting sea lice on open-pen salmon farms.
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Open-net finfish farms require monitoring to manage fish welfare and to mitigate risk for diseases and parasites which could threaten wild fish populations. In salmonid farming the ectoparasite copepod sea lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Caligidae) is a major concern. This paper’s novel contribution is the application of sampling statistics to determine the number of sea lice which should be sampled per pen so as to report the abundance of sea lice with a given accuracy. It does so considering the different statistical distributions which occur at high- and low prevalence of sea lice and combines these considerations to guide the reader towards counting a number of sea lice which would be more inline with other statistical applications. Existing pen sampling routines are analysed and the sampling error is quantified. These findings need to be taken into account when sampling protocols for sea lice are designed as it is especially important for fish welfare.
Mes, A., Stephens, J., Palmer, M., Mulrenan, R., & Smith, C. (2024). How accurate is your average? Considering error when counting sea lice on open-pen salmon farms. Aquaculture, 593, 741244.
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) response and salt mitigation effect post 5 hours transportation stress.
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In aquaculture facilities, routine processes such as live transportation has been done on the Nile tilapia juvenile to be reared and for breeding purposes. Live transportation activates the stress response compromising welfare of fish In the current study, a 5hour transport stress model was used to investigate how Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus), especially the skin, responds to transportation stress and to detect the salt’s mitigation effect on such stress. A total of 150 Oreochromis niloticus (53±3gm) were divided into three equal groups. The first was a non-transported control group (P1), the second was the (PT2) group, in which the fish were transported in a salt free water and the third was the (PT3) group, where a 5 g/L of salt was added to the water during transportation. The study results revealed that water pH and the dissolved oxygen levels decreased non-significantly ,while the total ammonia level increased significantly in the PT2 and PT3 groups compared with the control group. Survival rates of O. niloticus were 90 % and 96 % in PT2 and PT3 groups, respectively. In addition to , the bacterial colony forming units (CFU) in the liver and spleen of the P1 group was negligible(0.17 x 103g-1), however it was highly and progressively raised in the PT2 group and slightly elevated in PT3 group compared with the P1 group. Moreover , the serum glucose level at 0 hour post transportation was significantly higher in the PT2 group while no significant difference was recorded in the PT3 group comparing to the control group. However, at 12 h and 24hours serum glucose significantly decreased in both PT2 and PT3 groups, but no significant differences between the two groups were found. The histopathological study of the skin revealed marked differences in the PT2, PT3 groups compared with the control group. This study indicated that transportation had stressful effects on O. niloticus, and Nacl helped in mitigating the transport stress effects.
Keywords: Nile tilapia, O. niloticus, salt, stress, Transportation
Ali Alsagheer, H., Abd El Aziz Ahmed Abd El Galil, M., Abd Allah Mousa, M., & El-Sayed Asman, A. (2024). Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) response and salt mitigation effect post 5 hours transportation stress. International Journal of Comprehensive Veterinary Research, 2(1), 45–54.
Quantifying and prioritizing shrimp welfare threats.
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This is the fourth report in the Rethink Priorities Shrimp Welfare Sequence. In this report, we quantify the suffering caused to shrimp by 18 welfare threats to assess which welfare issues cause the most harm.
McKay, H., McAuliffe, W. (2024) Quantifying and prioritizing shrimp welfare threats. Rethink Priorities.
Attitudes toward veg*nism
From origins to trends: A bibliometric examination of ethical food consumption.
Abstract:
Ethical food consumption has gained significant attention in the past years, reflecting a societal shift towards ethical behavior. Our study examines the evolution of ethical food consumption research over the past three decades, aiming to map its transformation. We identified key trends, influential contributors, and major thematic clusters through a bibliometric analysis, employing VOSviewer (v.1.6.18) for bibliometric visualization, focusing on citation networks and keyword o-occurrences to reveal the field’s structure and dynamics. We made extensive use of the Web of Science database, where we selected 1096 relevant articles and review papers. Our analysis shows a notable rise in publications starting in 2005, with a peak in 2022, indicating increased scholarly interest in the topic. The findings underscore the importance of integrating empathy and human values into ethical food consumption, highlighting the critical roles of animal welfare, sustainability, and social justice. Despite a strong pro-ethical attitude among consumers, a significant “attitude-behavior gap” persists, emphasizing the need for strategies that bridge this divide. Our results emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary efforts to align ethical practices with broader societal goals, offering valuable insights for future research and policy-making to promote sustainable and ethical food consumption worldwide.
Beciu, S., Arghiroiu, G. A., & Bobeică, M. (2024). From origins to trends: A bibliometric examination of ethical food consumption. Foods, 13(13).
University students' attitudes towards more climate-sustainable diets: An exploratory study in Italy.
Abstract:
The global agri-food system is currently estimated to be responsible for a large amount of anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with agriculture being the second largest GHG emitter, right after the energy sector. It is, therefore, necessary to overhaul food system by intervening on both the supply and demand sides, including changes to dietary patterns. Indeed, plant-based diets are often cited as key to reducing GHG emissions when compared to animal-based diets.
The present study aims to explore young Italian adults’ (late Millennials and Gen Z) perception of agri-food’s climate impact and their awareness of mitigation strategies on the demand side. The study also seeks to investigate this same group’s willingness to switch to more climate-sustainable diets. To evaluate the influence of scientific information, some respondents were randomly selected to be presented with graphical information on potential mitigation of GHG emissions. Furthermore, the research aims at identifying consumers’ individual and group characteristics to support tailored approaches to promoting change. To this end, 531 university students were interviewed via an online questionnaire.
The results highlight the interviewees’ good awareness of climate issues, albeit with some gaps regarding the climate impact of the agri-food system.
Findings also suggest that attitudes towards climate-sustainable diets differ depending on generation, gender and area of study.
The influence of the information about the climate impact of diets does not emerge as an explanatory variable of behavior with any certainty, even if some elements support this hypothesis.
If we are to see a greater willingness in individuals to change their diet, a comprehensive approach that intertwines nutritional and environmental education must be further nested into society and the higher education system, improving and integrating nutritional and environmental knowledge and education.
Campisi, B., Gallenti, G., Carzedda, M., & Bogoni, P. (2024). University students’ attitudes towards more climate-sustainable diets: An exploratory study in Italy. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 108, 107567.
“Vegan” does not mean “allergen-free” – and it should not.
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Vegan labels do not indicate that a food is guaranteed to be free-from animal-based allergens. In this article, we argue that vegan should not mean allergen-free, and defend the distinction between these labels.
Hankins, E. (2024) “Vegan” does not mean “allergen-free” – and it should not. Bryant Research.
Climate change and sustainability
Analyzing the dietary carbon footprint as a sustainable diet marker in Turkish adults: A cross-sectional study.
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This study planned to investigate the characteristics of the diet and its contribution to the carbon footprint-the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Data were collected through face-to-face interview methods via a questionnaire including socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, the Three-Factor Eating Questionarre-21, and 24-hour recall food consumption record. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 619 adults (M = 266 (43.0%), F = 353 (%57.0)) aged 18-64 years. The carbon footprint value of the overall diet was 3.84 ± 0.1 kg CO2-eq per person per day and 2.10 ± 1.2 kg CO2-eq per 1,000 kcal per day. Meat and dairy groups are the major contributors to carbon footprint (34.8%, and 18.9%, respectively). Uncontrolled eating scores were higher in the highest quantile (Q5) group for the carbon footprint (CO2-eq kg-1) group (p = 0.048), and according to the multiple regression model, uncontrolled eating scores significantly affecting the increase of carbon footprint (ß = 0.122, p = 0.006). While high carbon footprint groups have higher dietary protein intake (43.30±0.8 g per day, 29.0±0.7 g per day, respectively, p = 0.048), low carbon footprint groups have higher carbohydrate intake (103.75±3.7 g per day, 85.86±3.4 g per day, respectively, p <0.001). The results of this study provide important knowledge on the contribution of diet patterns and eating behaviour to the carbon footprint and draw attention to the importance of developing sustainable nutrition recommendations in parallel with healthy nutrition recommendations.
Bozkurt, O., Macit, S., & Kocaadam Bozkurt, B. (2024). Analyzing the dietary carbon footprint as a sustainable diet marker in Turkish adults: A cross-sectional study. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım ve Doğa Dergisi.
Mitigating environmental impacts of food consumption in the European Union: Is the power truly on our plates?
Abstract:
In the context of the sustainable use of our planet’s resources, there is a pressing need for environmentally friendly diets. Moreover, health issues linked to inadequate nutrition are rising, further emphasising the need for more balanced diets. The aim of the planetary health diet developed by the EAT-Lancet commission is to sustainably feed 10 billion people in 2050 while not exceeding planetary limits. According to these guidelines, the EU should reduce red meat intake by 80 % and multiply legume intake by 15. This significant shift from animal to plant-based proteins could modify trade partnerships and EU dependency on plant-based proteins for animal feed, currently discussed within the EU protein strategy. This study evaluates land use changes and environmental consequences of this change in dietary patterns by applying a consequential life cycle assessment approach combined with an agri-economic model, additionally assessing if this diet shift could help to achieve EU Green Deal targets. For this simulation, the partial equilibrium model CAPRI was used, which is a global agricultural market model focusing on Europe, including bilateral trade worldwide. We found that the diet shift results in gaps between domestic demand and supply which are compensated by increased imports of legumes and additional exports of red meat from the EU due to an increased demand for red meat in non-EU countries, as a consequence of decreased red meat prices. Land use changes within NUTS-2 regions indicate broad disparities depending on regional specialisation and profitability. The results from our life cycle assessment show limited benefits for most environmental impact categories within the EU given the considerable change in diets. GHG emissions from the agricultural sector would be reduced by 9 %, representing 4 % of the change needed to achieve overall EU GHG emission targets i.e., a reduction of 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Yet, the mitigation potential allocated to EU production of shifting diets could be greater if international trade were not offsetting expected local environmental benefits. Indeed, if EU red meat and animal feed production were reduced proportionally to the demand shift, domestic legume production could hypothetically be extended in the available agricultural areas coming along with improvements in all environmental impact categories. Scientific contribution and media regularly point out the significant influence of individual consumer behaviour as an impulse for change: “the power is on our plates”, while the results of our simulations show that this holds only to a limited extent. To minimise environmental pollution, strong supply-side policies are needed to complement the power on the consumers’ plates.
Guillaume, A., Appels, L., Latka, C., Kočí, V., & Geeraerd, A. (2024). Mitigating environmental impacts of food consumption in the European Union: Is the power truly on our plates? Sustainable Production and Consumption, 47, 570–584.
Opportunities to produce food from substantially less land.
Abstract:
The vast majority of the food we eat comes from land-based agriculture, but recent technological advances in agriculture and food technology offer the prospect of producing food using substantially less or even virtually no land. For example, indoor vertical farming can achieve very high yields of certain crops with a very small area footprint, and some foods can be synthesized from inorganic precursors in industrial facilities. Animal-based foods require substantial land per unit of protein or per calorie and switching to alternatives could reduce demand for some types of agricultural land. Plant-based meat substitutes and those produced through fermentation are widely available and becoming more sophisticated while in the future cellular agricultural may become technically and economical viable at scale. We review the state of play of these potentially disruptive technologies and explore how they may interact with other factors, both endogenous and exogenous to the food system, to affect future demand for land.
Godfray, H. C. J., Poore, J., & Ritchie, H. (2024). Opportunities to produce food from substantially less land. BMC Biology, 22(1), 138.
Tasty or sustainable? Goal conflict in plant-based food choice.
Abstract:
Marketers and policymakers navigate an evolving landscape where an increasing number of consumers are willing to consider the environmental impacts of meat consumption and shift towards plant-based proteins. This trend is exemplified by the increasing number of individuals who identify as flexitarians, preferring plant-forward diets though still consuming meat. Nevertheless, consumers juggle the conflicting desire for healthy and sustainable choices with the enjoyment of tasty food, which varies across contexts. Consequently, determining the appropriate framing for plant-based meat alternatives — when to emphasize health and sustainability or taste — poses a challenge not adequately addressed by previous research. This study delves into the nuanced impact of modifying goal salience by tailoring product attribute frames to align with contextual consumer goals, offering insights into engaging consumers with plant-based alternatives. These findings reveal that aligning a hedonic attribute frame with an active hedonic goal significantly enhances product engagement. Conversely, introducing a sustainability attribute frame in the presence of an active hedonic goal adversely influences taste expectations, leading to a decline in intentions to engage with the product. These insights offer valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of sustainable food choices and underscore the need to align messaging strategies with consumers’ active goals.
Erhard, A., Jahn, S., & Boztug, Y. (2024). Tasty or sustainable? Goal conflict in plant-based food choice. Food Quality and Preference, 105237.
The effect of dietary changes on the water and carbon footprints in China.
Abstract:
Dietary changes impact the production and consumption of plant and animal foods, thereby affecting water resource usage and greenhouse gas emissions. However, previous studies have ignored subnational differences in long-term dietary changes and environmental impacts. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of dietary changes in China from 1997 to 2016 by combining water and carbon footprints. Results indicated significant provincial differences in both total food consumption amounts (277.15 Mt to 445.58 Mt) and patterns. At the national level, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of 10 main food items rose sharply from 437.52 ± 131.26 Gm3/yr to 671.13 ± 201.34 Gm3/yr and 273.66 ± 26.43 Mt CO₂ eq. to 443.50 ± 46.96 Mt CO₂ eq. As per capita animal-based food consumption first increased and then decreased, more developed regions with balanced diets showed water-saving and carbon reduction effects. For instance, Beijing reduced its water footprint by 50.44 m3/cap/yr and reduced carbon footprint by 186.05 kg CO₂ eq./cap/yr. In contrast, in less developed regions, animal food consumption has continued to grow over the last two decades, weighing the environmental impacts. Dietary changes in more developed regions can serve as references for less developed areas. Ensuring steady growth in animal food consumption for basic health needs can also support sustainable development. Furthermore, scenario analysis indicated that replacing all meat with plant-based food could achieve maximum water saving by 13 % and maximum emission reduction by 32 % with current energy and nutritional requirements, while towards national dietary guidelines would increase water consumption by 449.43 m3/cap and emissions by 8.48 CO2 eq./cap, dominated by increasing fruits and vegetables. Policies that affect consumers’ choices of food patterns could focus more on promoting adequate and appropriate animal food intake towards healthy and environmentally friendly diets, particularly in less developed regions.
Wang, J., Yin, Y., Sun, S., Zhao, J., Tang, Y., Wang, Y., & Wu, P. (2024). The effect of dietary changes on the water and carbon footprints in China. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 49, 276–288.
To be climate-friendly, food-based dietary guidelines must include limits on total meat consumption – modeling from the case of France.
Abstract:
Although food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) include guidelines for meat consumption, their setting most often do not explicitly include environmental considerations. For instance, in France, FBDG recommend consuming no more than 500 g of red meat and 150 g of processed meat per week. This study uses modeling to investigate the range of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) that can be achieved under FBDG compliance.
The study analyzed data collected in 2014 from 29,413 NutriNet-Santé participants to assess their adherence to the French FBDG. GHGe, cumulative energy demand (CED), and land occupation (LO) for organic and conventional foods were obtained from the DIALECTE database. Diets adequate in nutrients, culturally acceptable, and consistent with FBDG were modeled under different GHGe constraints. Environmental, nutritional, and health criteria were then calculated.
The average observed adequacy to FBDG was low (19%, SD=25%) and GHGe were 4.34 (SD=2.7%) kgCO2eq/d. The GHGe range of the diets varied from 1.16 to 6.99 kgCO2eq/d, depending up to ∼85% on the level of meat consumption. Similar associations were observed for CED, LO and Health Risk Score. At isoenergetic diets, the diet with the lowest emissions had a higher proportion of vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based substitutes. This diet had a lower CED, LO, and a greater proportion of organic foods when compared to the diet with the highest emissions.
While French dietary guidelines contribute, on average, to mitigating climate change and promoting health, this study emphasizes levers in recommended food consumption to more efficiently reduce diets’ GHGe and points to total meat as the critical issue to better account for pressure on climate change. Other environmental pressures should also be taken into account when designing dietary guidelines.
Kesse-Guyot, E., Baudry, J., Berlivet, J., Perraud, E., Julia, C., Touvier, M., Allès, B., Lairon, D., Hercberg, S., Fouillet, H., Pointereau, P., & Mariotti, F. (2024). To be climate-friendly, food-based dietary guidelines must include limits on total meat consumption – modeling from the case of France. MedRxiv.
Dietary change interventions
Can mindfulness-based training impact explicit and implicit attitudes and sustainable nutrition behavior? A focus on vegetarianism.
Abstract:
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a mindfulness intervention (IG) compared to an inactive control group (CG) on explicit and implicit attitudes toward vegetarian and meat-based foods, nutrition behavior measures, trait mindfulness and wellbeing.
Methods: In the IG (N = 66), we implemented a mindfulness-based intervention consisting of eight weekly group sessions online, along with an additional half-day session held on campus. The CG (N = 71) received no intervention or training. We employed a pre-/post-intervention design involving questionnaires (trait mindfulness, wellbeing, sustainable nutrition behavior scale), an online supermarket scenario, as well as an explicit rating task and an implicit association task using pictures of vegetarian and meat-based foods. Additionally, a voluntary follow-up testing was conducted two months after the final group session.
Results: No intervention effects were observed on explicit and implicit attitudes, wellbeing, or nutrition behavior measures. However, there was an increase in trait mindfulness within the IG. Exploratory cross-sectional findings indicated that trait mindfulness facets such as “Acting with Awareness” and “Outer Awareness”, along with explicit attitudes, were significant predictors of self-reported sustainable consumption behavior. Additionally, sex and explicit attitudes were identified as significant predictors of vegetarian consumption behavior in the online supermarket task.
Conclusion: Our findings could not substantiate previous claims regarding the potential causal effects of mindfulness practice on sustainable consumption behavior, specifically in the realm of sustainable and vegetarian nutrition, as well as subjective wellbeing. Future studies may benefit from implementing longer-term mindfulness-based interventions and considering other potential decisive factors, such as connectedness to nature and others. Integrating training elements focusing on these specific variables into the intervention could be valuable.
Winkelmair, A., & Jansen, P. (2024). Can mindfulness-based training impact explicit and implicit attitudes and sustainable nutrition behavior? A focus on vegetarianism. Appetite, 200, 107554.
Carbon labeling on meals in a ferry canteen.
Abstract:
The field experiment was conducted to explore in what ways CO2 labeling impacts customers’ product selection. The objective of this study is the connection between eco-labeling and the number of sales (customers’ purchasing choices) made regardless of the price determinant. We performed a controlled investigation within 2 weeks, adding a CO2 label to the meals during the second week. The labeling icon showed the lifecycle emissions as a number and had a three-level, high-medium-low graphical signal. The difference in sales between the 2 weeks was analyzed via chi-squared and student t-tests. There was a significant shift from meals associated with high CO2 emissions toward meals associated with lower CO2 quantity (chi-square test, p = 0.001). There was likewise a significant 6% decrease in CO2 equivalent emissions per weight unit of purchased meals. As the shares of plant, meat, and fish-based meals were similar for Week 1 and 2, the label was not potent enough to convince customers to change their diet styles. The reduction of CO2 emissions was achieved mainly through shifts in the direction of lower-emitting meat and fish dishes. The obtained results depict that consumers pay attention to labeling while making purchasing choices, which has implications for marketing practice. The study implies that customers tend to select products with a lower environmental impact over others.
Lane, H., Pokutnia, O., Walker, M. D., Farias, A. R., & Killingsworth, J. (2024). Carbon labeling on meals in a ferry canteen. Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing, 29(3).
Changing the availability and positioning of more vs. less environmentally sustainable products: A randomised controlled trial in an online experimental supermarket.
Abstract:
Food purchasing behaviours are shaped by the choices available to shoppers and the way they are offered for sale. This study tested whether prominent positioning of more sustainable food items online and increasing their relative availability might reduce the environmental impact of foods selected in a 2×2 (availability x position) factorial randomised controlled trial. Participants (n = 1179) selected items in a shopping task in an experimental online supermarket. The availability intervention added lower-impact products to the regular range. The positioning intervention biased product order to give prominence to lower-impact products. The primary outcome was the environmental impact score (ranging from 1 “least impact” to 5 “most impact”, of each item in shopping baskets) analysed using Welch’s ANOVA. Secondary outcomes included interactions (analysed via linear regression) by gender, age group, education, income and meat consumption and we assessed intervention acceptability (using different frames) in a post-experiment questionnaire. Compared to control (mean = 21.6), mean eco quintile score was significantly reduced when availability & order was altered (−2.30; 95%CI: 3.04; −1.56) and when order only was changed (−1.67; 95%CI: 2.42; −0.92). No significant difference between availability only (−0.02; 95%CI: 0.73; 0.69) and control was found. There were no significant interactions between interventions or by demographic characteristics. Both interventions were acceptable under certain frames (positioning emphasising lower-impact products: 70.3% support; increasing lower-impact items: 74.3% support). Prominent positioning of more sustainable products may be an effective strategy to encourage more sustainable food purchasing. Increasing availability of more sustainable products alone did not significantly alter the environment impact of products selected.
Jostock, C., Luick, M., Jebb, S. A., & Pechey, R. (2024). Changing the availability and positioning of more vs. less environmentally sustainable products: A randomised controlled trial in an online experimental supermarket. Appetite, 107579.
Changing the default meal option at university events to reduce harmful environmental impacts: Six randomized controlled trials.
Abstract:
Animal agriculture is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful environmental impacts, which underscores the need to shift away from the consumption of animal-based products. One promising nudge intervention is making plant-based meals the default option, so we tested this approach at six different university events across four academic institutions for effecting sustainable dietary change. Event attendees pre-selected their meal on one of two randomly assigned RSVP forms: one with a plant-based default and one with a meal with meat default. The results from our randomized controlled trial showed that participants had a 43-percentage point greater probability of selecting the plant-based meal when it was indicated as the default option. This effect was similar across events and academic institutions, which indicates that this default intervention is generalizable and can be successfully implemented at university events. The combined effect of using plant-based defaults at these six events was an estimated reduction of 104,387 kg of CO2 emissions, 299.9 m2 of land use, 959.0 g of nitrogen use, and 259.5 g of phosphorus use, which represent roughly 45–46.2% reductions in harmful environmental impacts relative to the meals chosen when using a meat default. Given the significance and magnitude of these environmental benefits, our results support the widespread implementation of plant-based defaults for helping universities improve their sustainability.
Zhang, A. W., Wharton, C., Cloonan, S., Boronowsky, R., Magesh, V., Braverman, I., Marquez, A., Leidy, H., Wang, M. C., Cleveland, D. A., Jay, J., & Stecher, C. (2024). Changing the default meal option at university events to reduce harmful environmental impacts: Six randomized controlled trials. Appetite, 200, 107572.
Children’s liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian school meals at the scale of a French city.
Abstract:
In Western countries, a behavioural shift towards more plant-based diets is helpful in protecting population and planet health. School canteens are an important public policy target to achieve this transition. Increasing the frequency of vegetarian meals in school canteens has been proposed as a solution to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining a good nutritional quality. However, vegetarian meals acceptance by children is key to limit unintended consequences such as increased food waste or increased nutritional inequalities. We aimed to examine children’s liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian main dishes at school canteens; and whether it varied across socioeconomic level. Connected scoring devices displaying a five-point smiley scale were installed in all the 38 primary school canteens of a French city, located in socially diverse neighbourhoods. Every day after their school lunch, children were asked to rate the main dish they had just eaten. During one school year, from September 2021 to June 2022, we collected 208,985 votes for 125 main dishes, including 32 vegetarian (i.e., no meat or fish) and 93 non-vegetarian dishes, for an average of 1672 (SD 440) votes per day across the 38 school canteens. We showed no difference in children’s liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Additionally, the socioeconomic level of the schools was found to interact negatively with children’s liking for vegetarian main dishes whereby vegetarian main dishes tended to be more liked in schools of lower socioeconomic level. In this French city, children’s acceptance would not be a barrier to increase the frequency of vegetarian school meals and would not increase social dietary inequalities.
Marty, L., Dahmani, J., & Nicklaus, S. (2024). Children’s liking for vegetarian and non-vegetarian school meals at the scale of a French city. Appetite, 107547.
Controlled feeding trials to administer plant-forward meal plans.
Abstract:
Objectives: The 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) emphasize plant-based diets, but adherence to plant-based foods or DGA is low among Americans. We report protocol and preliminary observations from all-food-provided 18-week randomized controlled two-arm crossover feeding trials designed to assess the impact of plant forward meal plans that follow the DGA macronutrient recommendations and are low in added sugar, artificial, and processed ingredients on age related disease biomarkers.
Methods: Healthy upper Midwestern older adults were enrolled after a two-step eligibility screening and randomized to one of the two plant forward meal plans, each for eight weeks separated by a two-week washout. The primary protein sources, lean pork and pulses, contributed at least 45% of the total protein intake. 47 participants completed 24 h dietary recalls, health and study-satisfaction surveys, physical assessments, compliance reporting, blood, stool, and urine sample submissions. Aside from a few store-bought snacks, menu items were prepared from scratch using fewer ingredients. Data reflects descriptive statistics.
Results: The study diets matched for daily total calories, macro and micronutrients, and compared to the habitual diets, provided lower amounts of fats (-11.28%), sodium (-13.09%), ultra-processed food (-35.65%), while doubled the fiber intake due to including a variety of vegetables. Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Scoring (0.82 versus 0.98 for red meat) showed that plant-sourced proteins could achieve an adequate essential amino acid score (160% versus 194% for red meat). With comparable satisfaction ratings for both diets (p>0.05), >70% participants acknowledged the intervention diets as healthier than pre-study diets and enjoyed the convenience of portioned, ready-to-eat meals. Recruitment was challenging due to the significant dietary changes and substantial time commitment required by the study. Attrition fell to 20.34% once the intervention began.
Conclusions: Systematic testing of lifestyle recommendations using controlled feeding is logistically challenging but important. Plant-forward study menus, with or without meat, may encourage healthier consumer meal planning. Sharing complex protocols may help promote uniformity across future feeding studies.
Funding Sources: National Pork Board USDA.
de Vargas, B. O., Vaezi, S., Zhang, Y., Weidauer, L., & Dey, M. (2024). Controlled feeding trials to administer plant-forward meal plans. Current Developments in Nutrition.
“Eat less Meat”: Beneficial for you and for the environment - integrating theory and practice to shape communications encouraging a decrease in meat consumption.
Abstract:
Significant knowledge has been accumulated regarding the detrimental impacts of meat consumption on both personal health and the environment. As a result, online social marketing initiatives aimed at reducing meat consumption have emerged. The purpose of this research is to explore the alignment between theory and practice in such campaigns. Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is posited as an appropriate model for social marketing communications aiming at decreasing meat consumption. Subsequently, ten on-line communications directed at individuals with the aim at decreasing meat consumption are identified and subjected to a qualitative review. Through content analysis, key themes and messages employed in these campaigns were identified along with an assessment of the integration of PMT principles. The findings offer specific recommendations to enhance existent and future communications strategies. These recommendations focus on targeting current meat consumers, persuading them to reduce their meat consumption for health and environmental reasons, utilizing PMT principles. Effective strategies should heighten individuals’ perceived vulnerability and severity regarding the health and environmental impacts of meat consumption while offering easily adoptable recommendations. Additionally, the recommended actions should be perceived as leading to the desired outcomes; namely, improving personal health and protecting the environment. This original comprehensive review demonstrates the successful application of PMT in on-line campaigns aimed at reducing meat consumption, providing valuable insights and guidance for future initiatives in social marketing.
Cismaru, M., & Edu, T. (2024). “Eat less Meat”: Beneficial for you and for the environment – integrating theory and practice to shape communications encouraging a decrease in meat consumption. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing.
Gen Z’s willingness to adopt plant-based diets: Empirical evidence from Greece, India, and the UK.
Abstract:
Comprising the largest population cohort on this planet, Gen Z presents a future-oriented consumer segment driven by climate change and food. This study sought to investigate Gen Z’s perceptions toward plant-based foods and diets and explore the relationship that attitude components, meal preparation involvement, personal and lifestyle factors, and perceived barriers in adopting a plant-based diet have with willingness to adopt green-eating practices. Using cross-sectional data from university students in Greece, India, and the UK, various tools were employed to determine the factors influencing youths’ consumer behaviour toward animal-protein substitutes. PCA indicated the underlying dimensions of students’ viewpoints on plant-based foods, whereas hierarchical and k-means clustering provided the cluster structure. An ordered probit model was estimated to delineate Gen Z’s willingness to adopt plant-based diets and distinguish among mostly unwilling, somewhat willing, and mostly willing youths. Our findings identified two consumer segments, namely proponents and opponents of plant-based foods and diets, with statistically significant differences in the perceived health benefits of plant-based diets, attachment to animal-based proteins, perceived exclusion of animal-based foods, dissatisfaction with plant-based foods’ attributes, and demand for ensuring adequate protein intake. The ordered probit model estimates showed that there is a «homogeneity» in the factors influencing youths’ intention to adopt plant-based diets, with attitude components, meal preparation indicators, perceived barriers to eating “green”, and personal factors, such as self-assessed knowledge of healthy eating and physical activity, being strongly associated with students’ willingness to switch to plant-based diets in all three countries. Mapping potential obstacles and enablers in terms of shifting to more green-eating behaviours, our findings could add information to better understand the factors affecting food choice and youths’ transition to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Raptou, E., Tsiami, A., Negro, G., Ghuriani, V., Baweja, P., Smaoui, S., & Varzakas, T. (2024). Gen Z’s willingness to adopt plant-based diets: Empirical evidence from Greece, India, and the UK. Foods, 13(13), 2076
Investigating intervention components and their effectiveness in promoting environmentally sustainable diets: a systematic review.
Abstract:
Global food systems contribute 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, threatening the global temperature targets of the Paris Agreement. Diets in high-income countries exceed the recommendations for animal-based foods, whereas consumption of fruits and vegetables is below recommendations. Shifting to a more plant-based diet can reduce up to 30% of greenhouse gas emissions from diet and also reduce risk of chronic disease. Interventions addressing sustainable dietary behaviour, defined by a shift in dietary patterns and food-waste practices, could therefore improve population and planetary health, but knowledge of the interventions that are likely to be most effective in changing sustainable dietary behaviour is so far limited. This systematic review aimed to investigate, classify, and assess the effectiveness of interventions that promote environmentally sustainable diets in high-income countries. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials published from inception until June 16, 2022, evaluating the effectiveness of any intervention promoting environmentally sustainable dietary behaviour. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they included adults and children from high-income countries (as defined by the World Bank classification) and used individual-level behaviour change interventions. Online choice experiments and studies reporting results on only change in fruit and vegetable consumption were excluded. Interventions were classified using the nine intervention functions of the behaviour change wheel. Data were extracted on number of participants, intervention characteristics, diet change (eg, meat consumption and fruit and vegetable intake), food waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and health outcomes. 13 studies were identified and included in the systematic review. Articles were from six different countries (ie, Canada, the USA, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy). Six of the nine intervention functions of the behaviour change wheel were used. Interventions using education had the most robust evidence base, whereas interventions using persuasion had the strongest effect on reducing meat consumption. Overall, interventions using education in combination with other factors were most successful. Five studies had high risk of bias, five had some concerns of bias, and three had low risk of bias. This systematic review provides insight into the effectiveness of behavioural interventions to meet health and climate change goals through promotion of environmentally sustainable diets. Evidence supports the use of multicomponent interventions through education, persuasion, and environmental restructuring to provide opportunity for change. Little high-quality research was available, and more robustly designed intervention studies are needed to inform future guidelines and policies.
Wadi, N. M., Cheikh, K., Keung, Y. W., & Green, R. (2024). Investigating intervention components and their effectiveness in promoting environmentally sustainable diets: a systematic review. The Lancet. Planetary Health, 8(6), e410–e422.
Modelling the impact of substituting meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives on nutrient adequacy and diet quality.
Abstract:
Background: Novel plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are designed to mimic and replace animal-sourced products, yet their nutritional composition differs from traditional alternatives such as legumes and beans. The nutritional impacts of switching from animal-sourced to traditional or novel plant-based alternatives remains unclear.
Objectives: This study aimed to model the impact of partial and complete substitution of animal-sourced meat and dairy products with traditional or novel plant-based alternatives on diet quality and nutrient adequacy in a nationally representative sample of Australian adults.
Methods: Dietary data (1 24-h recall) from the Australian Health Survey 2011–2013 (n = 9115; ≥19 y) were analyzed. Four models simulated partial or complete substitution of animal-sourced meat and dairy with traditional or novel plant-based alternatives. Diet quality was assessed using the Dietary Guideline Index (DGI), and nutrient adequacy was determined using age- and sex-specific nutrient reference values. Modeled diets were compared to a baseline diet using survey-weighted paired t tests.
Results: DGI scores improved by 0.3% to 6.0% for all models across all sex and age groups compared to baseline. Improvements in diet quality were greatest for the complete substitution to traditional alternatives (5.1% average increase in DGI). Overall, inclusion of plant-based alternatives (complete or partial) decreased saturated fat and increased dietary fiber. Long-chain n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased to below adequate intakes for all complete substitution models. Substitution with traditional alternatives decreased sodium and increased calcium, whereas substitution with novel alternatives increased sodium and decreased calcium.
Conclusions: All models using traditional alternatives, and the partial substitution using novel alternatives, showed small but statistically significant improvements in diet quality. Nutrient adequacy varied between models, with nutrients including saturated fat, sodium, calcium, and long-chain fatty acids implicated. Findings highlight the importance of informed choices when switching to traditional or novel plant-based alternatives to prevent suboptimal dietary intake.
Marchese, L. E., McNaughton, S. A., Hendrie, G. A., van der Pols, J. C., Tran, N. R., Lanham, A., Dickinson, K. M., & Livingstone, K. M. (2024). Modelling the impact of substituting meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives on nutrient adequacy and diet quality. The Journal of Nutrition.
Social impediments to meat-eaters’ adherence to critical calls for a meat-free diet: An experimental test of social norm and message source effects.
Abstract:
Reducing meat consumption is highly effective for reducing personal carbon emissions, yet most people in Western nations still eat meat. We build on recent research highlighting that group boundaries may impede dietary change by (a) promoting pro-meat norms and (b) prohibiting critical calls for a veg* diet (vegetarian and vegan, i.e., meat-free). Past research relied on self-reports and behavioural measures of engagement, leaving open whether these effects extend to food consumption settings and ad-hoc meal choice. We conducted two pre-registered experiments in which meat-eaters read critical calls to adopt a veg* diet, either by a vegan (outgroup) or a meat-eater (ingroup). In Experiment 2, participants moreover read an article either highlighting a veg* or a meat-eating norm. We then assessed actual (Experiment 1) or hypothetical (Experiment 2) meal choice as dependent variables. As predicted, intergroup criticism (i.e., voiced by veg*s) consistently led to message rejection in comparison to the same criticism voiced by meat eaters, but we did not observe effects on meal choice. Norms neither had a main nor interaction effect on self-reports and behaviour. We discuss potential intermediary processes between engagement with and adoption of a vegan diet and derive evidence-based recommendations for constructive communication across group boundaries.
Thürmer, J. L., Bamberg, C., McCrea, S. M., & Blechert, J. (2024). Social impediments to meat-eaters’ adherence to critical calls for a meat-free diet: An experimental test of social norm and message source effects. Appetite, 200, 107528.
Social network research and meat reduction – An overview of research directions and results from a study in Denmark.
Abstract:
Reducing the current level of meat consumption would reap significant environmental benefits. However, a consumer transition towards more plant-rich eating is lagging, and the social sciences have had limited success in understanding behavioural change in this area. Here, we advocate a research agenda focussing on the role social networks could play in encouraging consumers to eat less meat. We present main research directions in social network theory and highlight the distinction between simple and complex behavioural domains of which food and eating practices are an example of the latter. To illustrate one way in which social network insights can contribute to meat reduction research, we then present results from a questionnaire-based study of Danish consumers. We examine the association between an individual’s personal network and reduced meat consumption. In line with assumptions, we show that, for a complex domain such as food and eating practices, exposure from multiple network sources is central to behavioural adoption. However, multiple network exposure is predominantly important for the initial decision to eat less meat. A narrower network of personal contacts become more central during the implementation stage. We end by outlining future research directions for social network research regarding meat reduction.
Lund, T. B., & Halkier, B. (2024). Social network research and meat reduction – An overview of research directions and results from a study in Denmark. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption, 14, 100203.
Socio-demographic and cross-country differences in attention to sustainable certifications and changes in food consumption.
Abstract:
Food labeling can influence, sometimes facilitate, changes in consumer diets to support environmental sustainability and in response to climate change. However, a significant impediment to this dietary shift may arise from the consumers’ tendency to underestimate the environmental impact of their food choices and from their limited knowledge about sustainable certifications. These aspects are influenced by the characteristics and geographical affiliations of individuals. In such a context, the aim of this research has been to identify the main factors that drive the food purchasing frequency and the changes in food consumption associated with consumers’ concerns about climate change and interest in sustainable food certifications by comparing different food products and countries (Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, the USA, and China). A cross-country survey was conducted on 6500 consumers of various food products. The obtained mean scores were then compared, using generalized linear mixed-effect models, to evaluate the associations between the consumers’ food purchasing frequency, the importance of sustainable certifications, and changes in food consumption due to climate change concerns. Much of the variation in food consumption, purchasing behaviors, and interest in sustainable certifications was found to depend on such factors as age, gender, and country of origin. Indeed, Chinese consumers exhibited a heightened interest in sustainable food certifications, yet their consumption scores for all food products overall were higher. Conversely, adult and elderly Danish consumers demonstrated a decrease in the consumption of cheeses, meat, fruits, and vegetables, and their interest scores in all sustainable food certifications were lower. Despite the challenges posed by various consumers’ interests and minimal changes in food consumption patterns, our findings suggest that sustainable certifications present a promising avenue for straightforward interventions to promote the adoption of sustainable diets and to address climate change.
Mota-Gutierrez, J., Sparacino, A., Merlino, V. M., Blanc, S., Brun, F., Massimelli, F., Vassallo, E., Borra, D., & Massaglia, S. (2024). Socio-demographic and cross-country differences in attention to sustainable certifications and changes in food consumption. Npj Science of Food, 8(1), 31.
Tastes better than expected: Post-intervention effects of a vegetarian month in the student canteen.
Abstract:
Interventions to decrease meat consumption are often only implemented for short periods of time, and it is unclear how they might have lasting effects. We combine student canteen consumption (over 270, 000 purchases made by over 4, 500 guests) and survey data (N > 800) to study how a one-month intervention to decrease meat consumption affects consumer behavior post-intervention. During the intervention period, meat meals were eliminated from the menu of the treatment canteen, while the two control canteens were unaffected. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we estimate that guests usually frequenting the treatment canteen did not significantly reduce their visits to the canteen during or after the intervention. In the two months following the intervention, they were still 4% less likely to choose the meat option when visiting the canteen, relative to baseline. A large part of this effect seems explicable with guests learning about the quality of the canteen’s vegetarian meals. We find little to no evidence of the intervention changing perceived social norms.
Klatt, C., & Schulze Tilling, A. (2024). Tastes better than expected: Post-intervention effects of a vegetarian month in the student canteen. ECONtribute Discussion Papers, Reinhard Selten Institute (RSI).
The moderating role of food involvement: An application of the theory of planned behaviour model in reducing red meat consumption.
Abstract:
Reducing red meat intake is crucial for both planetary sustainability and human health. However, various psychosocial barriers impede this dietary shift, necessitating the application of psychological models such as the Theory of Planned behaviours (TPB) to predict individuals’ inclination to reduce red meat consumption. Despite TPB’s widespread use, there is a need for a more refined model addressing emotional variables. This study aims to assess TPB’s effectiveness in understanding intentions and behaviours regarding red meat reduction, while investigating food involvement’s role as a moderator between intention and behaviours. Data were collected through two questionnaires (n = 963, Time 1; n = 541, Time 2) filled out by a representative sample of the Italian population. Using descriptive statistics and structural equation models, findings reveal that attitudes and subjective norms explain 22.2 % of the variance in intentions to reduce red meat consumption. Additionally, perceived behavioural control and intention account for 39.7 % of the variance in self-reported meat consumption behaviours six months later. Moreover, high levels of food involvement hinder the translation of intention into behaviour, highlighting its moderating effect. These results emphasize the necessity of reshaping red meat reduction strategies and promoting alternative consumption choices, fostering habitual practices linked to positive emotions. It is crucial for reducing red meat consumption that this behaviour becomes a cultural symbol of change, identifying individuals as “new consumers” within a society adapting to environmental and health challenges. By integrating emotional factors into behavioural models, interventions can better address barriers and promote sustainable dietary habits.
Castellini, G., & Graffigna, G. (2024). The moderating role of food involvement: An application of the theory of planned behaviour model in reducing red meat consumption. Food Quality and Preference, 120, 105255.
Food systems
China’s dietary transition and its impact on cropland demand for sustainable agriculture.
Abstract:
China’s rapid economic development and urbanization have significantly shifted dietary patterns, increasing stress on cropland. This study addresses the need to quantify cropland demand under different dietary scenarios using the latest consistent, balanced, and physical Food and Agriculture Biomass Input–Output dataset for China (FABIO-CHN) dataset, which offers the highest sectorial resolution for agricultural products. Employing an environmentally extended multi-regional input-output (EE-MRIO) analysis, we estimated domestic cropland demand driven by various dietary patterns, including food consumption away from home and food waste. We found that most dietary patterns would increase China’s domestic cropland demand except the EAT-Lancet diet and the Japanese diet, ranging from −7.0 Mha to 55.2 Mha. However, the cropland footprint demand for meat and grain consumption would decrease for all scenarios, with values between −44.8 Mha and − 5.8 Mha for meat consumption while −12.2 Mha and − 3.3 Mha for grain consumption. The current average diet in China aligns more closely with the Japanese or Mediterranean diet. However, changes in cropland demand would vary from province due to diverse dietary structures. For instance, the per-capita cropland footprint is highest in Tibet and Qinghai due to traditional meat-rich diets. Our findings highlight the critical need for region-specific dietary guidelines and contributions to global sustainability challenges such as agricultural land expansion, and food security. While shifting toward more plant-based diets like the EAT-Lancet or Japanese diet could mitigate cropland stress, tailored policies considering regional dietary habits and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are essential for supporting China’s dietary transition and sustainable cropland use.
Sun, Z., Zhan, Y., Liu, L., Ye, Q., & Zhang, Q. (2024). China’s dietary transition and its impact on cropland demand for sustainable agriculture. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 49, 61–71.
Creating a healthy and sustainable food environment to promote plant-based food consumption: clear barriers and a gradual transition.
Abstract:
Background: A shift away from diets high in animal-based foods towards diets high in plant-based foods is desirable considering human health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. As the food environment plays a crucial role in shaping consumption patterns, understanding of how changes in the food environment can facilitate plant-based consumption is crucial for the so-called protein transition. The current study aims to garner insight into barriers and facilitators for food outlet managers to take action to stimulate plant-based consumption within a local food environment.
Methods: Using a maximum-variation sample approach, we examined possible barriers and facilitators to promote plant-based consumption across different types of food outlets located within a geographically shared food environment (a city in the Netherlands). We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews among food outlet managers and applied multi-stage thematic analysis to the interview transcripts.
Results: Most managers underscored the urgency of shifting towards more plant-based diets, and perceived a growing demand for plant-based products. However, three barriers hindered most of them from taking decisive action: Managers’ perception of low consumer demand for plant-based food options; fear of consumer resistance when stimulating plant-based food options; and limited behavioral agency to offer attractive plant-based food options. The few managers who made changes, or intend to make changes, are individuals with high intrinsic motivation, knowledge and skills.
Conclusions: The present work suggests the key for change towards a food environment stimulating plant-based consumption lies in addressing three (perceived) barriers shared among diverse outlets. These are partly different from barriers for stimulating healthy consumption in general. Furthermore, current changes appear to be driven incidentally by individuals who are motivated and able to stimulate more plant-based purchases among a small targeted group of consumers.
van Hoeven, W. S., Simons, M., Czymoniewicz-Klippel, M. T., & Veling, H. (2024). Creating a healthy and sustainable food environment to promote plant-based food consumption: clear barriers and a gradual transition. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1607.
Abstract:
Farmers’ ire has been misdirected at meat alternatives, which still make up less than 2% of the total market for meat and alternatives. The narrative that the rise of veganism and alternative protein sources is to blame for farmer job losses is becoming increasingly prevalent. The real killer of farming jobs is not falling demand for animal products, but intensification.
Flores, C. (2024) How Big Ag distracts farmers and destroys their jobs. Bryant Research.
Human-animal relations
Prejudice across species lines: Testing for a link between the devaluation of humans and non-human animals.
Abstract:
People who are prejudiced against one social group also tend to be prejudiced against other social groups, that is, they show generalized prejudice. Many scholars have noted parallels between the devaluation and exploitation of certain human groups (e.g., racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice) and the treatment of non-human animals (often referred to as speciesism), suggesting that generalized prejudice may even extend across species lines. I tested this hypothesis using panel data with large and demographically diverse participant samples and different operationalizations of the devaluation of humans and animals. Study 1 (56,759 participants from 46 European countries) revealed a positive association between human-directed prejudice and human supremacy beliefs and this association was still observed when controlling for various socio-demographic factors (e.g., gender, educational attainment, religiosity, political orientation). Study 2 (1,566 Dutch participants) revealed positive associations between human-directed prejudice and a host of attitudes, beliefs, emotional responses, and behaviors related to meat consumption. For the majority of tests, this positive association was still observed when controlling for socio-demographic factors. Thus, both studies suggest that people who devalue human groups also tend to devalue the welfare and interests of animals. The current findings support recent theorizing on the common psychological roots of human-directed and animal-directed prejudice and attest to the generality of generalized prejudice.
Jaeger, B. (2024). Prejudice across species lines: Testing for a link between the devaluation of humans and non-human animals. Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations, 3.
Movement research
Faunalytics’ 2024 community survey results.
Abstract:
We’re pleased to present the results of our annual audience survey, including what you think we’re doing right, what we can do better, and plans for the future.
At Faunalytics, we aim to convey the importance of using data to set strategy, making evidence-based decisions. We do the same ourselves, conducting this annual survey to help us understand how you’re using our resources, which ones are most helpful, and where we have opportunities to grow to better support the movement.
This blog is a key step in our own annual impact monitoring journey, sharing the findings from our latest Community Survey with you. Below, we explore the quantitative and qualitative results, and give you a sneak preview of how we plan to make use of them this year and beyond.
Anderson, J. (2024) Faunalytics’ 2024 community survey results. Faunalytics.
Loud activism.
Abstract:
Finding effective ways to engage others is crucial to furthering the animal advocacy movement. When people think about animal activism, they often imagine frontline, confrontational methods – but a recent Bryant Research report finds that people are most willing to engage in ‘quiet activism,’ such as giving to charity and volunteering. This insight inspired us to highlight quiet activists, those who patiently and selflessly fund and work on projects to reduce animal suffering. We argue that, because so many more people are willing to engage in quiet activism, the animal movement should highlight and valorise these contributions.
Our support for quiet activism is not, by any means, a condemnation of other types of activism. While not everybody has the personal disposition or desire to grab a megaphone or debate people on the streets, there is immense value in what we term here ‘loud activism’.
Loud activists are those who unapologetically put the reality of industrial animal farming in front of the public, such as a demonstration or street activism. This includes activities such as Anonymous for the Voiceless’ ‘cube of truth’, where activists stand in a square and show videos of factory farms and slaughterhouses in busy areas, as well as other forms of public demonstration.
Rice, S., Bryant, C. (2024) Loud activism. Bryant Research.
Politics, law, and social change
Analysing actors, strategies and power relations governing the meat regime in Austria.
Abstract:
Meat consumption is increasingly discussed as a key lever for reducing environmental and human health impacts within food systems. As in many high-income countries, meat consumption in Austria exceeds dietary and planetary-health recommendations. If, and how, to address overconsumption has become a site of political conflict. Calls for political measures toward sustainable dietary transitions make it important to consider the political economy of meat consumption and production in national contexts. It is thus important to understand the surrounding structures, institutions, and power relations. Using a theoretical approach grounded in food regime theory and critical state analysis, we shed light on important actors and power relations concerning meat production and consumption in Austria. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of interviews and documents, we identify three political projects competing for influence. A strong production driven project pushes to establish a regime of national consumption rather than addressing excessive production and consumption. A civil society driven project is gaining ground in challenging dominant forms of accumulation. In a third project, national producers and alternative production pathways are subject to an increasingly powerful corporate retail sector, which advances economic and increasingly ecologically oriented rationalization to increase profits. Strategies to challenge this corporate power have so far been sparse. Rather, the reproduction of consumer power and responsibility in the producing sector serves to strengthen this development as food retailers can effectively position themselves as custodians of the consumer. Active policies and willingness to accept the necessity for changing consumption are required to redistribute power.
Voigt, C., Hundscheid, L., Plank, C., & Pichler, M. (2024). Meat politics. Analysing actors, strategies and power relations governing the meat regime in Austria. Geoforum, 154, 104048.
The shift from meat to plant-based proteins: Consumers and public policy.
Abstract:
A reduction in meat consumption would be desirable to promote sustainable diets. Globally, meat consumption is still increasing, and the various meat alternatives introduced in recent years occupy only a small share of the meat market. Since technological solutions alone are not sufficient to reduce meat consumption, policy measures and interventions are discussed. We describe various measures that have been proposed to reduce meat consumption. Based on the evidence from the literature, some of these measures are unlikely to be effective (e.g. labeling) or acceptable to consumers (e.g. taxes). It will be important to focus on measures that are effective (e.g. nudging). However, since consumers tend to be resistant to fundamental changes in their diet, rapid transitions cannot be expected.
Siegrist, M., Michel, F., & Hartmann, C. (2024). The shift from meat to plant-based proteins: Consumers and public policy. Current Opinion in Food Science, 101182.
Veg*ns and advocates
An overview of veganism on X: is veganism a political activism or a dietary style in the turkish case?
Abstract:
Veganism is commonly described as the attempt to avoid, as far as possible, the exploitation and consumption of animals and animal products. It is acknowledged as a collective action aimed at political transformation, not an individual quest for a pure ethical diet. Many times, veganism is misinterpreted as a diet or style of eating. It’s a movement against the needless suffering and exploitation of non-human animals. As a result, veganism rejects human consumption habits that harm animals, such as those found in our clothes, food, makeup, and entertainment (Cochrane and Cojocaru, 2023a, 2023b; Linton, 2022). Hence, this study aims to explore how veganism was framed on X (formerly Twitter) and associated with political activism. It claims that veganism is beyond a personal lifestyle, a form of activism providing insight into political change. This paper, which examined the posts of the Vegan Association of Turkey and also 4 news websites, Hurriyet, Haberturk, BirGün, and Bianet, has revealed that the Vegan Association of Turkey dealt with mostly vegan activism patterns but did not refer to the elements of political activism. It also displayed that although the left-wing and alternative news media covered the activist practices of veganism, the sampling news websites mostly framed veganism within nutrition and lifestyle patterns. In particular, the mainstream news media excluded the political and activist roles of veganism from vegan representations. In conclusion, under-representing political constituents of veganism on X means that the hegemonic consumerism culture is reproduced and new perspectives on consumerism, capitalism, gender, and the environment have not been sufficiently debated in the public sphere.
Şen, A. F. (2024). An overview of veganism on X: is veganism a political activism or a dietary style in the turkish case? ASYA STUDIES, 8(28), 109–116.
Exploring veganism in Australia, France, Spain, and Portugal: a netnographic study using the transtheoretical model.
Abstract:
The rising popularity of veganism and vegetarianism has attracted significant market attention, yet limited understanding exists regarding consumer perceptions and adoption of these ethical and sustainable lifestyle choices. To address this gap, we conducted a netnographic analysis using Google Trends and HappyCow. Google Trends data found that food and restaurant-related searches predominated, with lower volumes in France, indicating a distinct food culture and potentially less interest in veganism. Australians exhibited higher search frequencies for “vegan,” reflecting a keen interest in vegan food establishments and products. HappyCow data indicated a relatively more significant number of vegan outlets in Australia. This study provides cross-cultural insights into consumer information-seeking behavior regarding veganism, highlighting the availability of vegan choices in diverse food settings and influencing factors for plant-based alternatives.
Salehi, G., Ward, A., Dillon-Murray, A., Canseco-Lopez, F., & Soar, J. (2024). Exploring veganism in Australia, France, Spain, and Portugal: a netnographic study using the transtheoretical model. Food, Culture & Society, 1–29.
Faith veganism: How the ethics, values, and practices of UK-based Muslim, Jewish, and Christian vegans reshape veganism and religiosity (Doctoral dissertation, University of Southampton).
Abstract:
Veganism, a philosophy and practice constituting the eschewal of all animal-derived products and forms of animal exploitation, has grown exponentially in the UK over the past decade, including among individuals of faith. This phenomenon has been increasingly studied within social science, but there is one area that is noticeably absent in existing scholarship: how religion intersects with veganism. Given the perceived centrality of animal bodies to Abrahamic religious observance, coupled with potential ethical similarities between veganism and religion as possible guiding forces in an individual’s life, this intersection is pertinent to study. I ask, how are Muslim, Jewish, and Christian vegans reshaping and redefining veganism and religiosity in late modern Great Britain? I recruited 36 UK-based vegans identifying as either Muslim, Jewish, or Christian, and conducted a multi-modal qualitative methods study in 2021, comprising interviews, diary methods, and virtual participant observation. I then thematically analysed the data, drawing on theories relating to Bourdieusian sociology, reflexive religiosity, and embodied ethics and values. This research reveals that religion and veganism are often mutually constituted, with veganism being understood by faith vegans as an ethical lifestyle that may be incorporated into their religious lifestyles. Religious ethics, values, and principles are reflexively interrogated, enabling participants to bring together faith and veganism. However, for many, religion is non-negotiable, so specific knowledge and support is sought to aid the negotiations that take place around religious practice. Through reflexive religiosity, religious practice becomes veganised, whilst veganism becomes faith based. I develop a series of concepts that help explain the characteristics of faith veganism, such as faith vegan identity, faith vegan community, faith vegan ethics, and faith vegan stewardship, as well as contribute new ways of theorising veganism: as transformative, mobile, reflexive, and more-than-political. Thus, this empirical study offers a new understanding of veganism, one that intersects with and is underpinned by religion, and which I term faith veganism.
Atayee-Bennett, E. (2024). Faith veganism: How the ethics, values, and practices of UK-based Muslim, Jewish, and Christian vegans reshape veganism and religiosity (Doctoral dissertation, University of Southampton). ePrints Soton.
Veganism as anti-anthropocentrism the potential of vegan advocacy discourse.
Abstract:
Proceeding from an identification of anthropocentrism as the ideological bedrock of interconnected human to nonhuman animal and intra-human oppressions, and the central role played by discourse in transmitting and normalising anthropocentrism and its consequences, this article provides a critical exploration of four ways in which vegan advocacy discourse can undermine anthropocentrism in its various manifestations. These include: the centring of the beyond-human interests of nonhuman animals through ethical vegan argumentation and the simultaneous decentring and invalidating of the human interests in exploiting them; the exposing of the oppressive reality of animal products for the affected nonhuman animals, in opposition to the connected industries’ efforts to manufacture the public’s understanding of animal product production; the eroding of the discriminatory, otherising human/animal dichotomy through the championing of shared animality between humans and other animals and the decentring of human-supremacist judgements to the contrary; and an intersectional analysis of nonhuman and human oppressions which recognises their common ideological source under the inherently oppressive system of capitalism. Several potential anthropocentric or otherwise counterproductive pitfalls of each recommended discourse strategy are also considered. In providing said critical exploration, the author hopes to have supported the case for veganism’s indispensable contribution to opposing the interconnected nonhuman and human oppressions of Western societies, and elucidated some key ways in which vegan advocates can enact this potential.
Gough, L. A. (2024). Veganism as anti-anthropocentrism the potential of vegan advocacy discourse. Arctic Environmental Research, 4(1).
Our Sources
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Meat AND behavior
Meat AND behaviour
Meat AND attitudes
Meat AND preferences
Meat AND consumption
Meat AND reduction
Cultured meat
Cultivated meat
Clean meat
In vitro meat
“Cellular agriculture”
Plant based meat
Plant based diet
Veganism
Vegetarianism
Animal advocacy
Animal welfare
Aquatic animal welfare
Fish welfare
Speciesism
“Human-animal relations”
June 2024
by Erika Alonso - 1 minute read