Abstract: Measurement of brain activity is a reliable method to determine loss of consciousness during the slaughter of terrestrial farm animals. In fish, the ability to obtain an electroencephalogram (EEG), even in unrestrained individuals, has enabled the assessment and optimization of stunning and killing methods in aquaculture. This study evaluated the effect of percussive and in-water electrical stunning in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) using the loss of visual evoked responses (VERs) as indicator of loss of consciousness. Our results show that percussive stunning with a fish bonker effectively caused permanent disruption of normal brain function when applied correctly. However, there is a risk of mis-stuns, with 20 % of the catfish showing temporarily or permanently responsiveness after stunning (i.e. presence of VERs). Exposure to an electric field strength of 13 Vrms cm−1 and a current density of 1.3 Arms dm−2 for 1 s caused immediate but, in contrast to successful percussive stunning, transient loss of VERs. Extending the exposure time to 10 s using the same electrical parameters did not affect recovery based on VERs, nor did increasing the field strength to 24 Vrms cm−1 and a current density to 2.1 Arms dm−2 using a 10 s exposure time. The recovery time was also unaffected by post-stun placement of fish in air or water. However, a 10 s shock with an electric field of 24 Vrms cm−1 and a current density of 2.1 Arms dm−2 immediately followed by decapitation, prevented recovery in 70 % of the catfish with the remaining 30 % experiencing temporary recovery (i.e. presence of VERs) for a few minutes. Our findings show that different stunning methods offer distinct advantages and limitations. Modifying the slaughter protocol in commercial catfish production, considering these methods, could significantly enhance the welfare of channel catfish during slaughter.

Hjelmstedt, P., To, F., Allen, P. J., & Gräns, A. (2025). Assessment of brain function during stunning and killing of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Aquaculture, 596, 741825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741825 

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Abstract: Billions of fishes are kept in captivity for research and food production world-wide, with a strong impetus for maintaining high welfare standards. Accordingly, the importance of empirical research into the welfare and husbandry of captive fishes is increasingly acknowledged in both science and aquaculture, alongside growing public and governmental interest. Physical enrichment can have an important influence on the welfare of captive fishes, but many questions remain. Here, we summarize the current state of research and outline knowledge gaps in the area of physical enrichment, which is a fundamental aspect to improving welfare of captive fishes. To explore the level of research interest in this area across time we conducted a series of surveys, using the number of papers published per year as a metric. These surveys highlight that work on fish welfare, while representing a relatively low proportion of fish research overall, is increasing rapidly. For species that are of aquaculture importance or used commonly as laboratory subjects, we show a positive relationship between general research interest and number of welfare-related papers. However, for many, particularly relatively less studied, species the proportion of papers on enrichment remains low, with a slower increase compared to welfare-related papers in general. In terms of common metrics used to quantify fish welfare, there is a reliance on growth and behavior, with scope for inclusion and combination of a more comprehensive range of reproducible measures. We finish by highlighting recent progress, promising areas for future research and suggestions for advances in this area.

Spence‐Jones, H. C., Frommen, J. G., & Jones, N. A. R. (2024). Closing the gaps in fish welfare: the case for more fundamental work into physical enrichment. Fish and Fisheries. https://doi.org/10.1111/faf.12868 

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Abstract: Crowding is a necessary operation for moving fish out of or between sea cages in Atlantic salmon farming. These operations consist of gradually reducing available volume in the nets to increase the biomass density. This is known to stress the fish, increase risk of injury, and can in extreme cases increase mortality rates. To reduce the negative impacts of crowding, the operation must be adjusted based on real-time monitoring of fish welfare. Today, this is mainly done by manually monitoring surface activity, as the high fish density limits the use of available tools. In this paper a new approach for monitoring was applied to crowding of meso-scale cages containing 40 fish each, using automatic detection of passive acoustic signatures. Four synchronized hydrophones were deployed and the acoustic signature was defined from the recordings. The automatic detection algorithm recorded an extreme increase in registered acoustic events during crowding, as high as 1000 events per 10 min period, compared to only 20 events per 10 min period on the day following crowding. Correlating the number of acoustic events to recorded heart rate and activity measures from implants in the salmon indicate that automatically registering acoustic events is a promising method for monitoring farmed fish.

Jónsdóttir, K. E., Mathiassen, J. R., Svendsen, E., Rosten, C. M., Bloecher, N., Føre, M., Olsen, R. E., Finstad, B., & Volent, Z. (2024). Detection of a stress related acoustic signature by passive acoustic monitoring in Atlantic salmon farming. Aquacultural Engineering, 107, 102472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaeng.2024.102472

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Abstract: Aquaculture, fueled partly by claims of supporting food security, is experiencing unprecedented growth. Framing aquaculture as a monolith, however, overlooks its extreme taxonomic diversity. This paper assesses the welfare risks associated with that diversity, establishing seven species-level risk factors from involved parental care to long lifespans. Investigating these welfare risks across all aquatic species reported to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) revealed an uneven distribution of risk, with extreme species-level risks in chordates, crustaceans, and cephalopod mollusks. Compared to species with fewer risks, species with extreme welfare risks were found to cost more and contribute the least to global production. This work challenges the notion that prioritizing animal welfare is incompatible with addressing food security and creates the possibility of identifying certain plant and invertebrate species, like seaweeds and bivalves, that minimize welfare concerns while providing affordability and accessibility. Going forward, proactive welfare approaches are needed to inform consumer choice and shape just and sustainable aquaculture policy.

Chiang, C., & Franks, B. (2024). Disaggregating animal welfare risks in aquaculture. Science Advances, 10(42), eadn8782. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn8782 

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Abstract: Fish resilience can be understood as the capacity of fish to successfully respond to a challenge so that they are able to function and flourish in much the same way as they did prior to the occurrence of the challenge. Resilience is a function not only of individual fish, but also of a whole fish population. Enhancing the resilience of fish requires both adapting the robustness of the animals and adapting the (production) environment to the specific needs of the fish. Rather than a mere biological capacity of fish, resilience also comes with ethical questions. These questions occur at four levels. First, in practice resilience often comes with a “rhetoric” of optimization. The view that aquaculture that strives for resilient fish is good for both fish welfare and production is inherently normative. It assumes a ‘win–win situation’, but thereby makes certain normative assumptions. Second, especially when the win–win situation is not achievable, resilience means making trade-offs between preferred responses to challenges from the perspective of individual animals and groups or between individual housing and larger aquaculture systems. Third, the discussions on resilience and fish demonstrate the need to move beyond an animal welfare framework when discussing the treatment of fish in aquaculture. Recently, animal ethics has seen a turn towards centering animals’ own agency. This means that we should not only focus on improving animal welfare, but also on asking what the animals themselves want and how they can be given more control over their situation. This may also impact the definition of resilience and how it is made operational. Finally, the use of the concept of resilience may reveal a certain moral outlook with regard to fish. On the one hand, resilience is portrayed as a positive characteristic of animals that enables improvement of the quality of life of fish. At the same time, it raises the question of how far we should stretch the “manufacturability” of fish. When we physically adapt animals so that they can cope with difficult circumstances we may be stretching moral boundaries. For example, this raises the objection that we are instrumentalizing animals. In this article, we reflect on these types of ethical issues and aim to show that the ethical dimensions of resilience need to be taken into account by professionals in aquaculture in order to make resilience operational and to contribute to a responsible interaction with fish in aquaculture.

Meijboom, F. L. B., & Bovenkerk, B. (2024). Fish resilience as an ethical issue. Journal of Fish Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15973 

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Abstract: n/a

Alianima & Observatorio Animal. (2024). Fish Watch Report. https://alianima.org/en/materiais/observatorio-do-peixe-1a-edicao/ 

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Abstract: Lakes around the world, including Ghana’s Lake Volta, are facing insidious threats from pollutants due to high dependency on aquatic ecosystems. Cage aquaculture is expanding across Africa because of its potential to address food insecurity, provide livelihoods, and boost local economies. However, the uncontrolled expansion of cage aquaculture can have significant negative impacts on water resources, including environmental footprints that threaten biodiversity. Given the intensification of cage aquaculture for tilapia farming on Lake Volta, we advocate for a transition to inland-integrated aquaculture systems that promote circularity. Strengthening stakeholder collaboration is essential for enhancing competence in mapping inland aquaculture areas, identifying eco-friendly alternatives and reinforcing aquaculture regulations, with particular emphasis on cage culture on Lake Volta. These strategies can reduce the pressures imposed by tilapia cage farms on the lake while promoting best management practices. Additionally, capacity building must be an ongoing process to address knowledge gaps, including the development of effective preparedness plans executed during emergencies. The ongoing pollution from illegal mining in the Black Volta River, a tributary of Lake Volta, along with endemic diseases in the lake, further compounds fish health and welfare issues. This underscores the urgent need to implement inland transition strategies to protect the lake, mitigate disease spread, and ensure safe fish food production.

Banini, P. K., Anyan, K. F., Zornu, J., Ackah, M., Batsa, D. N., Issifu, K., Amankwah, A., Ali, S. E., Addo, S., & Cudjoe, K. S. (2024). Rethinking freshwater cage aquaculture: A case in Ghana. Water, 16(21), 3054. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213054 

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Abstract: For decades, animal advocates have worked to advocate for farmed animals. But what if one of the most — if not the most — numerous farmed species on the planet has been overlooked?

McKay, H. (2024). Three Numbers That Make The Case For Shrimp Welfare. https://faunalytics.org/three-numbers-that-make-the-case-for-shrimp-welfare/

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Abstract: There is an increased demand for tuna meat to supply the growing global sushi and sashimi market. Current methods to farm tunas, especially Atlantic bluefin tunas (ABFTs; Thunnus thynnus), are unsustainable. This is driving a movement towards closed-cycle ABFT aquaculture, i.e., farming tuna from spawning and hatching to slaughter on land, to try and meet the demand for these fish. Tunas are not domesticated species and thus face different challenges in terms of closed-cycle aquaculture when compared to other farmed fish species. Tunas also possess unique physiological traits such as regional endothermy and ram ventilation which affect their needs and how they are farmed. No current global standards exist to measure or monitor ABFT welfare in captivity, because there are many unknown factors surrounding ABFT welfare in aquaculture settings. There is a need to conduct studies that measure the baseline physiological parameters of ABFT in closed-cycle systems. Issues such as manipulation of breeding cycles, tank design, and slaughter procedures need attention and further research is required before such welfare indicators can be established. Stress is an overarching concern for animal welfare. In particular, pre-slaughter crowding and stress negatively affect the quality of the meat produced due to lactic acid buildup in the red muscle. Further research needs to be conducted throughout all life stages in terms of both animal welfare implications and the commercial viability of farmed ABFTs.

Meyer, B., & Emam, W. (2024a). Welfare implications for closed-cycle aquaculture of atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). Frontiers in Animal Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animal-science/articles/10.3389/fanim.2024.1445306/full 

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Abstract: In recent years, many studies analyzed the environmental, health and economic implications of the production and consumption of different foods – and, on this basis, evaluated their sustainability. However, associated impacts on animals have remained largely unexamined and existing assessment approaches are still immature and often lack reflection on their normative assumptions and resulting implications. As animal welfare concerns increase, this represents a shortcoming, leaving a critical sustainability issue without due consideration. To address this, we develop a conceptual framework that guides the key decisions for assessing animal welfare impacts of foods. The framework is derived from an integrative literature review and revised following external feedback from expert focus groups. It bridges the research fields of food system modeling, animal welfare science and animal ethics and can guide researchers in developing assessment approaches and assessing animal welfare impacts of foods, from individual food items to whole diets. The framework also directs transparent communication of the most important assessment decisions. We outline key considerations for animal welfare assessments of foods, highlight associated challenges and discuss quality criteria as well as technical and normative strategies to address them. Our contribution provides a basis for future research to integrate animal welfare into sustainability evaluations of food and investigate tradeoffs and synergies with environmental, social or economic issues. Following this framework in future assessments facilitates the integration of animal welfare into food-related policy assessments and public decisions.

Richter, S., Scherer, L., Hegwood, M., Bartlett, H., Bossert, L. N., Frehner, A., & Schader, C. (2024). Conceptual framework for considering animal welfare in sustainability assessments of foods. Sustainable Production and Consumption. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.10.004 

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Abstract: Fish is the most preferred and widely consumed animal protein in Ghana, with annual per capita consumption estimated at 26 kg compared with the global average of 20 kg. The fisheries sector of Ghana provides livelihood support to 2.4 million people and contributes 1.5% to the nation’s gross domestic product. Recent increase in fish production is attributed to aquaculture and culture-based fisheries. However, the aquaculture sector is facing a challenge of sustainability. This study was aimed at identifying and examining the prospects of sustainable aquaculture development in Ghana using the Sunyani Fisheries Zone as a case study. Specifically, the following questions were asked: what are the important factors for aquaculture development for both the operational and non-operational farmer? What are the climatological and environmental factors that pose a threat to aquaculture development? To what extent does water, human and financial resources affect the sustainability of aquaculture development in Ghana? The methods employed for data collection were; farm survey and interviews with aquafarmers, document analysis, and fish farm observation. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that market establishment, affordability of feed and funding for farmers are the important areas for aquaculture growth. Changing weather patterns and related disasters like floods, droughts, and erosions have negatively impacted on the aquaculture industry and have reduced its production and profitability. Poor pond effluent management also poses an ecological threat through introduction of non-native species. It is recommended that Policy makers, Fisheries Commission, Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant stakeholders should give urgent attention to the constraints in order to sustain the industry of Ghana.

Asiedu, B., Nunoo, F. K. E., & Iddrisu, S. (2017). Prospects and sustainability of aquaculture development in Ghana, West Africa. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2017.1349531

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Abstract: n/a

Martens, P., Reesink, M., & Soeters, K. (2024). True sustainability is sustanimalism. Bioscience. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biae100 

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Abstract: An environmentally sustainable diet plays an increasingly significant role in reducing environmental impacts from the consumer side. The prominent environmentally sustainable dietary choices that have been discussed in recent years include organic food, local seasonal food, protein alternatives, plant-based diets, sustainable packaging, sustainable cooking, sustainable storage, and food waste reduction. However, the majority of related studies have focused on only one single environmentally sustainable dietary choice, and comprehensive considerations of the environmental impacts, psychological factors, and practices related to different dietary choices are still limited. Thus, we take a broad perspective on this issue and aim to provide a theoretical foundation for policy makers and consumers to make environmentally friendly choices. This review aims to answer the following three questions: (1) Which dietary choices result in lower environmental burdens than conventional diets? (2) How do psychosocial factors influence environmentally sustainable dietary choices? (3) What interventions are effective in changing consumers’ dietary choices? The results showed that there is a gap between the actual and perceived environmental impacts of dietary choices, including organic food, local seasonal food and food packages. Although transitioning from a meat-based diet to a plant-based one, reducing food waste, and adopting efficient cooking methods can bring considerable environmental benefits, barriers such as inconvenience, price, and neophobia significantly hinder behavior changes. Besides, the influence of environmental concern on most environmentally sustainable diets is weak, whereas health concern plays a significant role. In practice, a long-term change in dietary structure could be achieved by addressing cultural barriers and social norms, through the cooperation of governments, retailers, food producers, and consumers.

Wu, Y., Kurisu, K., & Fukushi, K. (2024). What should be understood to promote environmentally sustainable diets? Sustainable Production and Consumption, 51, 484–497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.10.001 

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Abstract:

Background: According to nutrition recommendations, plant-based diets are favorable for both climate and health. However, the adoption of such diets varies between sociodemographic groups. Aims of this study are to examine how large proportions of the population have shifted towards plant-based diets to combat climate change, and to identify perceived barriers to dietary changes by gender, age, urbanization level, education, and household income.

Methods: The study is based on the Healthy Finland Survey conducted in 2022-2023, including 5390 participants (56% women) aged 20-74 years. Questions related to plant-based diet had predefined response options.

Results: Women reported that they had changed their diets to be more plant-based more often than men (46% vs. 31%). Women and men living in urban areas, having high education, or belonging to the highest income quartile had made changes more often than those in other sociodemographic groups. Women and men reported barriers in shifting to more plant-based diets, such as uncertainty about nutritional value (20% and 24%) and lacking skills to prepare tasty vegetarian food (30% and 28%). Disliking vegetarian foods (23%) or not being interested in the topic (28%) were also frequent issues in men, while women commonly cited the preferences of their close ones as preventing them from making vegetarian food (17%). These perceived barriers also differed between sociodemographic groups. For example, while uncertainty about nutritiousness of plant-based diets was most common in the oldest age group (29%), lack of skills to prepare tasty vegetarian food was most common in the youngest age group (35%). One third of men living in remote rural areas or with basic education reported not being interested in the topic.

Conclusions: Understanding barriers that prevent people in different sociodemographic groups from changing their diets to more plant-based is critical in tailoring more targeted and effective health promotion and policy.

Key messages

•  Moving towards more plant-based diets to combat climate change and perceived barriers to dietary changes vary by gender, age, urbanization level, education, and household income.
•  Understanding barriers preventing people in different sociodemographic groups from changing their diets to more plant-based is critical in tailoring targeted and effective health promotion and policy.

Sares-Jäske, L., Paalanen, L., Tapanainen, H., Kaartinen, N. E., Kaljonen, M., Konttinen, H., & Männistö, S. (2024). Barriers to adopting a plant-based diet in various Finnish sociodemographic groups. European Journal of Public Health, 34(Supplement_3). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae144.1530 

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Abstract: As societies transition towards a reduction of meat consumption and a shift to plant-based diets to address sustainability challenges, several studies highlight the importance of social norm interventions in promoting sustainable food choices. Nonetheless, syntheses of research on the effectiveness of such interventions are currently lacking, hampering our ability to inform and propose new research directions to increase sustainability in real-world contexts. In this paper, we review and evaluate the current body of evidence, focusing on studies targeting a reduction in animal-based food consumption and/or an increase in plant-based consumption, and specifically motivated as contributing to the climate change discourse. We searched five databases, theses repositories, and grey literature and contacted authors in the field to obtain manuscripts and pre-prints. Our search identified 23 articles including 34 separate studies meeting our eligibility criteria. Since 2017, we witnessed a rapid increase in research interest for trials exploring the effect of social norms to nudge individuals towards sustainable food choices. Overall, based on the results of this review, we conclude these interventions have had limited success and we identify opportunities for future research on this topic, such as identifying the most relevant referent group for various segments of the population.

Pollicino, D., Zamzow, H., Galizzi, M. M., Shreedhar, G., Naci, H., & Freitag, P. (2024, October). Can social norms promote sustainable food consumption? A systematic review. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/4z68y 

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Abstract: Researchers have started to explore the persuasive power of large language models (LLMs) and initial results suggest that LLMs are at least as persuasive as humans, even for controversial and moralized topics. Here, we tested whether a brief, open-ended conversation with ChatGPT-4o can change attitudes toward meat consumption, given that reducing meat consumption has become an important goal of many institutions due to its negative effects on the environment, health, and animal welfare. In a preregistered study, we found that participants (n = 101) reported a weaker commitment to eating meat and weaker beliefs that eating meat is necessary and natural, but not weaker beliefs that eating meat is normal or nice, after (vs. before) their conversation with ChatGPT-4o.

Karakas, N., & Jaeger, B. (2024). Changes in attitudes toward meat consumption after chatting with a large language model. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/8y2me 

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Abstract: Flexitarian diets have gained attention for their potential positive impact on human health and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. However, a critical question remains: Can the segment of flexitarians significantly contribute to necessary changes in our current unsustainable food systems? Our study addresses this gap by examining meat consumption habits among young adults (n = 1023) in a country with traditionally high meat intake. Furthermore, we focus on a subset of flexitarians (n = 286). Our findings reveal two distinct groups of flexitarians: ethical (n1 = 140) and utilitarian (n2 = 148). Utilitarian flexitarians exhibit a stronger preference for meat (t(284)= −15.180, p < 0.001), greater food neophobia (t(284) = −4.785, p < 0.001), and lower environmental awareness (t(284) = 7.486, p < 0.001) compared to Ethical flexitarians. The Ethical group, predominantly female (χ2(1) = 13.366, p < 0.001), demonstrates higher life satisfaction (t(284) = 5.485, p < 0.001), better health perceptions (t(284) = 5.127, p < 0.001), and stronger beliefs in reducing meat consumption (t(284) = −8.968, p < 0.001). Additionally, Ethical flexitarians hold more positive views on plant-based meat, perceiving it as healthier (t(284) = 4.326, p < 0.001) and more ethical (t(284) = 4.942, p < 0.001), and show a greater willingness to adopt it (t(284) = 7.623, p < 0.001). While both groups possess similar knowledge and willingness regarding cultured meat and insects, Ethical flexitarians view cultured meat more favourably (t(250.976) = 2.964, p = 0.003). Our study provides insights into the evolving trends of flexitarianism within Central and Eastern European countries, where research on meat consumption and flexitarianism is scarce. These insights hold value for promoting behaviour change toward reduced meat consumption for both health and environmental reasons. Additionally, they offer guidance to the food industry, including producers, sellers, and providers of meals in educational and employment facilities.

Kamin, T., Vezovnik, A., & Bolko, I. (2024). Changing Our Food Habits One Bite at a Time: Exploring Young Flexitarians in a Country with a High Meat Intake. Foods, 13(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13203215

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Abstract: In line with a wealth of academic literature, the data in this model is clear: a plant-based transition is an environmental imperative. Our model found that plant-based meals are consistently the most sustainable across various environmental measures, compared to vegetarian and meat-based meals. Crucially, we also found that a plant-based transition provides an opportunity for caterers to reduce their food procurement costs. This report gives them the reassurance and guidance they need to kickstart their transition to sustainable menus.

Nicholles, B., Bryant, C. (2024) Climate-Conscious & Cost-Effective: The Case for Plant-Based University Catering. https://bryantresearch.co.uk/insight-items/climate-cost-university-catering/ 

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Abstract: The environmental concerns associated with excess meat consumption have emphasized the need for sustainable alternatives. Edible insects offer a promising alternative due to their environmental efficiency and nutritious profile, but their widespread adoption in Western diets remains a challenge. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of exposing families (parents and children) to insect-based or plant-based dinner menus on dietary pattern, meat intake, and protein intake over a six-week intervention period. The study was a two-arm randomized equivalence trial comparing an insect-based menu to a plant-based control. Families received either an insect or plant-based menu to replace meat in dinner meals three times a week for six weeks, aiming to replace 20% of their meat protein intake. Dietary changes were assessed through dietary registrations and daily questionnaires. Both adults and children maintained their estimated daily total protein intake, while reducing daily meat protein intake. Neither group met the 20% weekly meat replacement goal. In the insect-based menu group, adults and children reached an average 5.5% and 2.3% weekly meat replacement, respectively. In the plant-based menu group, adults and children replaced 9.0% and 4.3%, respectively. Meat attachment had an effect on meat protein intake. The menus slightly reduced meat protein intake. The weekly frequency of meat meals slightly declined, but portions remained the same. By enhancing insect and plant-based food quality and understanding consumer behavior, insect- and plant-based products have the potential to be a complementary alternative in a sustainable dietary transition without sacrificing nutrition.

Maya, C., Wilderspin, D. E., Costa, A. I. A., Cunha, L. M., & Roos, N. (2024). Introducing menus of three weekly insect- or plant-based dinner meals slightly reduced meat consumption in Danish families: Results of a randomized intervention study. Appetite, 203, 107689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107689 

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Abstract: A significant body of research suggests that traditional masculine beliefs act as a barrier to reducing meat consumption and transitioning to a more ethical and sustainable food system. Here, we report a pre-registered experiment examining whether men who eat meat are more open to adopting plant-based diets when these diets are associated with traditional models of masculinity. A total of 1069 men who eat meat were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: a social media post with a plant-based meal featuring a male entrepreneur or a male bodybuilder (two experimental conditions), a social media post with a plant-based meal without a masculine model (social media post control condition), or a condition without any stimuli (no-information control condition). Both the entrepreneur and the bodybuilder were perceived as highly masculine, but these experimental conditions did not significantly affect participants’ perceived fit between plant-based eating and masculinity, nor did they affect tendencies to justify eating meat as necessary, attitudes toward plant-based diets, or willingness to adopt a plant-based diet. Nevertheless, the results supported previous research findings indicating that men who strongly identify as meat-eaters and those who consume more meat tend to perceive themselves as more masculine, feel more pressure from societal expectations to eat meat, justify meat-eating more strongly, view plant-based diets as less masculine, and are more negative about and less willing to adopt plant-based diets. Our findings raise questions about the “masculinization” of plant-based diets as a strategy for promoting dietary change among men.

Fonseca, R. P., De Groeve, B., & Graça, J. (2025). Masculinizing plant-based diets as an appeal for dietary change among men. Food Quality and Preference, 123, 105341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105341 

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Abstract: Despite being a healthy and environmentally sustainable protein-source that may help reduce meat-rich diets, consumption of pulses is low. This qualitative study explored meat-eaters’ barriers and enablers to consuming pulses commonly found in UK supermarkets. Five focus groups used the elicitation method to display to participants dried and canned pulses. Twenty-one meat-eaters (33±3 years; 62% women; 62% White) participated and discussed perceptions of pulses and barriers and enablers to consuming pulses based on factors related to perceived capability, opportunity and motivation. Reflexive thematic analysis found that pulses were associated with meat-free diets, such as vegetarian and vegan, being younger, and lower and higher social class. Common barriers identified were limited awareness of pulses which meant that some participants had not considered using them, more time and preparation required, especially to improve the taste of pulses, and pulses not being a part of participants’ culture or traditional diet. Enablers included using canned over dried pulses and use of efficient cooking methods, such as pressure cookers, air-fryers, slow cookers and batch-cooking and freezing pulses. Online digital recipe demonstrations via social media platforms and influencers supported the sourcing and consumption of pulse-based recipes. The embedding of pulses within cultures, cheapness and the nutrient-dense and satiating health properties of pulses were enablers. A recurring theme was using pulses as an added ingredient to familiar foods, rather than promoting pulse-based dishes only. Therefore, repeated exposure to pulses and embedding pulses in familiar recipes may increase familiarity and taste acceptance in low-pulse consumers. Effective communication campaigns, providing ‘good press’ for pulses were also recommended. The findings offer behavioral strategies to evaluate in future interventions that aim to increase consumption of pulses for sustainable food choices.

Davies-Ebsworth, A., Levesley, R., Clark, B., Dye, L., & Buckland, N. (2024). “Pulses Could Do with Some Good Press”: Exploring the Barriers and Enablers to the Consumption of Pulses in Meat-Eaters. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4996328

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Abstract: This study examines the supply and demand for chicken meat and fresh cow’s milk in Norway and argues that understanding demand as being co-constituted and interrelated with supply is crucial for reducing consumption. This study takes a constructivist systems of provision perspective to examine the chain of activities that links production and consumption. Analyzing how the use of chicken meat and fresh cow’s milk has evolved through socially and historically contingent processes in Norway, the article describes how these products became commonplace through state involvement, nutritional advice, companies, and consumers. The demand for liquid milk decreased in the 1980s, providing a rare insight into a system of provision in decline, although both government and industry actors wanted the situation to be otherwise. This study highlights that the milk-provision system failed to address the factors that contributed to the decline in milk consumption, which worsened the situation for dairy farmers. This is contrasted with the case of chickens, which represents a story of expanded demand through industrial intensification and new food norms. Under the presumption that a theory that explains an increase in demand must also be able to explain a decrease in demand, the analysis highlights the factors that caused a reduction in fresh milk consumption and the factors that led to growth in the demand for chicken meat. The article concludes that a constructivist perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of the making and unmaking of demand through processes of alignment/misalignment with established political, economic, and societal goals.

Korsnes, M., & Loeng, M. (2024). The making and unmaking of demand for dairy and chicken in Norway: a systems of provision perspective. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2024.2406067 

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Abstract: Welfare claims are commonly found on animal product packaging. This Faunalytics original study explores how some of these claims affect purchasing behavior, as well as shoppers’ understanding of these claims.

Wulderk, Z., Anderson, J., & Thompkins, A. (2024) The Role Of Humanewashing In Grocery Stores: How Welfare Labels Affect Purchasing Behavior. https://faunalytics.org/humanewashing-in-grocery-stores/ 

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Abstract: The shift in consumer dietary patterns from meat-based to plant-based food products has become a prominent trend worldwide. This shift is driven by various factors, including concerns about personal health and environmental awareness. Despite the global growth of the plant-based food industry, developing nations tend to be slow with adopting non-meat-based diets. This is mainly due to high levels of food insecurity and meat being the main source of protein, especially in countries like South Africa where food consumption is needs-based, and consumers are unaware of the environmental footprint of meat production. This paper is part of a two-phase study and reports on the quantitative results, which were obtained during the second phase. The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence consumers’ decisions to choose plant-based food products. The factors that were selected were informed by the thematic results from phase 1, which involved focus groups that explored consumers’ opinions and behaviors towards plant-based lifestyles. By means of survey distribution, 426 online questionnaires were distributed among young consumers in South Africa. A conceptual model with six hypotheses was tested and the data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.1.0.8. The findings indicated the product taste and product knowledge are the most important factors that drive young consumers’ decisions to choose plant-based food products. The study further found that product quality, affordability, social influence, and product packaging play a role but to a lesser degree. Food marketers can utilize these findings and implement marketing strategies that can assist with persuading consumers to choose plant-based food products and adopt a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Venter de Villiers, M., Cheng, J., & Truter, L. (2024). The Shift Towards Plant-Based Lifestyles: Factors Driving Young Consumers’ Decisions to Choose Plant-Based Food Products. Sustainability, 16(20), 9022. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209022

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Abstract: In recent decades, meat consumption has faced growing scrutiny from an environmental, health, and animal welfare perspective. As a result, reducing meat consumption has emerged as an important strategy to mitigate its negative effects. Flexitarians, a growing group of meat reducers, have attracted attention for potentially shaping future dietary trends. This study uses a qualitative approach and draws on 15 in-depth interviews with young flexitarians in Slovenia (YFS) to identify the main facilitators and barriers to meat reduction by exploring their motivations, capabilities, and opportunities as described in the COM-B behavioral model. This study fills the gap in studies on flexitarians using the COM-B model by looking at capabilities and opportunities, not solely motives. In addition, it fills the gap in qualitative in-depth studies on all three COM-B categories, as well as a gap in studies conducted outside northwest Europe and other primarily western geographical contexts. This study highlights important findings for the central and eastern European context that industry and governments should consider when developing behavior change strategies for healthy, sustainable diets. This study shows that strong rural family ties and limited access to meat alternatives are the major barriers to meat reduction in Slovenia. The YFS preferred whole, unprocessed foods (legumes, vegetables, grains) over processed meat alternatives and reduced their meat consumption primarily for health and environmental reasons, relying on social support from peers and information from popular documentaries and social media influencers.

Vezovnik, A., & Kamin, T. (2024). Young Flexitarians: An Insight into Barriers and Facilitators Related to Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation for Meat Reduction. Sustainability, 16(20), 9027. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209027 

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Abstract: Natural Language Processing (NLP) research on AI Safety and social bias in AI has focused on safety for humans and social bias against human minorities. However, some AI ethicists have argued that the moral significance of nonhuman animals has been ignored in AI research. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is speciesism, i.e., discrimination against nonhuman animals, in NLP research. First, we explain why nonhuman animals are relevant in NLP research. Next, we survey the findings of existing research on speciesism in NLP researchers, data, and models and further investigate this problem in this study. The findings of this study suggest that speciesism exists within researchers, data, and models, respectively. Specifically, our survey and experiments show that (a) among NLP researchers, even those who study social bias in AI, do not recognize speciesism or speciesist bias; (b) among NLP data, speciesist bias is inherent in the data annotated in the datasets used to evaluate NLP models; (c) OpenAI GPTs, recent NLP models, exhibit speciesist bias by default. Finally, we discuss how we can reduce speciesism in NLP research.

Takeshita, M., & Rzepka, R. (2024). Speciesism in natural language processing research. ArXiv Preprint ArXiv:2410.14194. https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.14194 

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Abstract: The food animal industry has collaborated across supply chain sectors to develop and implement initiatives that promote the sustainable production of food and fiber. While sustainability programs aim to address all three pillars of sustainability equitably (e.g., environmental, social, and economic pillars), there is often a disproportionate focus on environmental and economic initiatives despite the recognized importance of the social aspects of a system, which includes human and animal health and well-being. Assessing human and animal well-being is complex, and while these evaluations are often perceived as subjective, many objective measures are available. For example, in food animals, there are many physiological measures (e.g., heart rate, stress hormones) and behavioral indicators (e.g., escape attempts, engagement in exploratory behavior, body posture) that can be used to assess welfare. Moreover, there is an inherent connection between livestock and the people who care for them, making it essential to explore the reciprocal benefits and challenges of human–animal interactions in livestock production systems. By promoting the health and well-being of both people and animals through positive human–animal experiences, the food animal industry can work to foster more sustainable food production systems.

Edwards-Callaway, L. N., & Sullivan, P. A. (2024). The interface of caretaker and animal well-being as a critical component of sustainability. Meat and Muscle Biology. https://doi.org/10.22175/mmb.18196 

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Abstract: Psychological factors such as meat attachment, which implies the existence of an affective connection between meat consumption and its consumer, are one of the aspects that slow down the transition to a more sustainable diet. The aim of this study was to adapt the Meat AttachmentQuestionnaire (MAQ) to the Spanish context and to compare the five versions used in the literature (17, 16, 8, 7, and 5 items) by applying a Rasch polytomous model. For the adaptation, the steps of the International Test Commission were followed, and an online questionnaire was applied to 280 omnivores. The psychometric properties of the five versions of the MAQ were studied, and evidence of validity was analyzed based on the relationship with other variables:speciesism and gender. Results showed adequate fit indices of all items to the model in versions 8, 7, and 5. Item parameters, endorsability and response categories, their distribution, and ordering were adequate for all versions. Separation indices for all versions differentiated at least three strata of scores, with good associated reliability. Favorable evidence of validity was found for all versions with related variables. 17 items version, and 7 items version showed differential item functioning according to gender. We recommend the 8-items version as the most adequate version in the Spanish context; it offers more parsimonious results, adequately represents the domains of the construct, and meets the recommendations for the Rasch rating scale model.

Costin, O. D., Suárez Yera, C., Sánchez Castelló, M., & Rojas Tejada, A. J. (2024). Which version of the meat attachment questionnaire (MAQ) do I use?: Comparison and adaptation to the Spanish context using a rasch polytomous model. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5000729

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Abstract: Excessive meat production and consumption (especially in high-income countries) are linked to global sustainability hazards, such as climate change. Yet, sustainable meat production constitutes a wicked problem (i.e., a problem resistant to final resolution with diverging interests by relevant stakeholders) and political intervention accordingly has remained limited. To tackle wickedness, scholars recommend policy formats that embrace diversity and complexity among stakeholders, so-called multi-stakeholder engagement strategies (MSESs). Trust is said to facilitate stakeholder cooperation and ranks among the key ingredients to and outcomes of effective MSESs. Yet, trust remains under-conceptualized in the research on MSESs regarding sustainable meat production. Thus, to gauge stakeholders’ willingness to cooperate in respective MSESs, our research applied a seminal framework to probe the mutual trust between core actors of the meat supply chain. Focusing on Germany, we investigated the relationship between those stakeholders assumed to share rather fragile bonds (i.e., representatives of meat production and of NGOs that advocate environmental and animal welfare causes). Using semi-structured interviews we asked both parties about their mutual relationship, their opinion about MSESs and their willingness to cooperate with each other in them. Interview results were triangulated with secondary data. Our findings indicate limited trust by each party with the meat sector possibly being less trusting. They also reveal characteristics that may diminish trust in the eyes of each party. Our results further indicate acceptance of MSESs by both parties and suggest key characteristics that are relevant to their success.

Schwarz, A., Busch, G., & Weinrich, R. (2024). Mutual trust between German meat sector stakeholders and animal welfare and environmentalist NGOs regarding multi-stakeholder policies for sustainable meat production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 479, 143929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143929 

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Abstract: The escalating effects of climate change make it important to find ways to offset the carbon burden. One way to do so is to reduce beef consumption, since cattle production creates large amounts of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming and climate change. In this study, we explore US consumers’ perceptions of alternative beef products. Specifically, we test the effects of three types of earmark information on consumers’ valuation of a beef carbon tax related to hamburger meat through two labeled discrete choice experiments. Our results show that earmark information can be effective in reducing the negative impact of an environmental tax on consumers’ willingness to pay for beef products. This study contributes to a better understanding of how consumers would bear environmental taxes for beef and alternative products.

Yang, W., Fang, D., Thompson, J. M., & Nayga, R. M. (2024). Public acceptance of beef carbon tax earmarks. Food Policy, 128, 102733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2024.102733 

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Abstract: 

Background: In most high-income countries, consumption of animal-based food products exceeds levels recommended for health and environmental reasons. Although taxes can reduce the consumption of animal-based products, they are politically controversial. In recent years, various tax models and motivations for these have been discussed. Our study seeks to identify key arguments and policy actors in the German media debate on the taxation of animal-based products, shedding light on emerging narrative frames surrounding tax models and motivations.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative analysis of German media coverage on taxes and levies influencing the price of animal-based foods. We analyzed 488 articles from 10 national newspapers and eight trade press journals published between February 2019 and July 2023. Employing an inductive approach, we identified the actors involved in the debate and common frames and arguments around various tax proposals.

Results: We found broad consensus on a need for change due to inadequate animal welfare conditions, while environmental and health arguments are more contested. Significant debate surrounds the suitability of taxation as the preferred policy instrument. Furthermore, doubts are raised about a tax’s effectiveness and appropriate revenue allocation. Framing of the tax often emphasizes potential negative impacts on domestic production and product affordability. Additionally, concerns about various unintended consequences and the overall unpopularity of taxation emerge as prominent themes.

Conclusions: The taxation of animal-based products for health and environmental reasons is still highly contested in the media debate in Germany. Many, but not all arguments commonly raised against such taxes may be considered spurious from an evidence-based public health perspective. Proponents of such taxes may seek to address existing concerns through appropriate policy design and communication strategies.

Key messages

•  Taxation of animal-based foods may help to align consumption with levels recommended for health and environmental reasons, but adoption and implementation is hindered by political controversy.
•  Objections common in the public debate on such taxes could be addressed with appropriate policy design alleviating justified concerns, and with communication strategies countering spurious arguments.

Leibinger, A., Moerschel, K. S., Hagge, A., Hawkins, B., & von Philipsborn, P. (2024). Taxing animal-based food products: A qualitative framing analysis of the media debate in Germany. European Journal of Public Health, 34(Supplement_3). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae144.914 

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Abstract: In the marketplace of ideas, advocates attempt to shift norms and behaviors through their rhetoric, sometimes precipitating tremendous change (e.g. abolitionism, women’s suffrage). In the context of factory farming, we conduct a lab experiment to understand take-up of messages in the marketplace of ideas and those messages’ induced moral costs. Subjects mostly avoid messages about the harms to animals in factory farms and there is some selective search for countervailing information. We find that the factory-farm message, when viewed, imposes fixed costs on eating meat, consistent with deontological morals, and quantity costs on eating meat, consistent with utilitarian morals, significantly reducing meat consumption. We then consider a policymaker with a limited budget who wishes to reduce harmful commodity consumption. We conduct structural counterfactual analysis to solve for the optimal policy. We find that a policymaker who neglects the marketplace of ideas mismanages policy, leaving feasible harm mitigation on the table. In contrast, the policymaker who mistakenly presumes all consumers have utilitarian-like quantity moral costs makes near-zero policy error, making this standard assumption in the discipline an appropriate approximation.

Huet-Vaughn, E., Pham, M., Tasoff, J., & Vivalt, E. (2024). Moral preferences and the marketplace of ideas. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4984557 

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Abstract: The summary outlines various policy approaches aimed at reducing meat production and consumption in wealthy nations, highlighting their potential benefits for the environment, public health, economy, food security, and animal welfare.

Bryant, C., & Bryant Research. (2024). Policy levers to reduce meat production and consumption. https://bryantresearch.co.uk/insight-items/policy-levers-to-reduce-meat/ 

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Abstract: n/a

Lee Wrenn, C. (2024). Ten years later, veganism more popular, but less political. https://www.coreyleewrenn.com/ten-years-later-veganism-more-popular-but-less-political/ 

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Abstract: Health, environmental concern, and animal rights are established motives for reduced meat consumption that can be measured by the Vegetarian Eating Motives Inventory (VEMI). This preregistered study aimed to expand the VEMI to include four less-studied motives: disgust, social, concern about zoonotic diseases and pandemics, and concern for workers’ rights. We had three objectives: to combine the seven motives into a comprehensive model, to test if the VEMI+ scales function equivalently across omnivore and vegan groups, and to validate and differentiate these motives against external measures and meat reduction appeals. In samples of 731 omnivores and 731 vegans (total N = 1,462), we found support for the measurement invariance of a seven-factor structure across groups and created a scale with reliable measures for each dimension (ω total between 0.82 and 0.97). Vegans scored higher overall, with substantially higher scores on environmental concern, animal rights, disgust, and zoonotic disease concerns, while omnivores had slightly higher scores on health, social, and workers’ rights scales. Scale scores had expected correlations with criterion measures and differentially predicted support for motive-tailored appeals. This study enhances our understanding of dietary motivations and provides a valuable tool for future research.

Stahlmann, A. G., Hopwood, C. J., & Bleidorn, W. (2024). The Veg∗n Eating Motives Inventory Plus (VEMI+): A measure of health, environment, animal rights, disgust, social, pandemic and zoonotic diseases, and farm workers’ rights motives. Appetite, 203, 107701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107701

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Abstract: Veganism and animal rights activism are minority ethical beliefs and practices amply covered by the academy and the media, often in stark contrasts. This outsider coverage influences public perception, often leaving insider perspectives misunderstood and overgeneralized. The work of this dissertation is primarily concerned with the application of a folkloristic lens to vegan and animal rights communities in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and Toronto, Ontario in an effort to counterbalance outsider opinions of these groups with the nuances of insider voices and lived experiences. This dissertation also makes the case for a folkloristics of ethical belief via the exploration of veganism in the lives of St. John’s and Toronto vegans and examines various elements of performativity in Toronto animal rights activism. Central to this work is an argument rooted in the philosophical writing of Antonio Gramsci and the folklore scholarship of David Hufford that veganism is a tradition of counter-hegemonic belief and that its counterpart, carnism, is not simply senso comune but a tradition of hegemonic belief. The philosophical positions of Peter Singer, Tom Regan, Josephine Donovan, and Gary Francione on the rights of animals are situated alongside folkloristic scholarship of belief to produce a framework for the analysis of ethical belief in vegan life narratives belonging to research participants in both cities. These narratives provide insights into the nuanced perspectives of participants about animals and food when they were children and young adults, detail their transitions from carnism to veganism, outline their current ethical beliefs systems, and offer commentary about the challenges they face and support they receive from others for their beliefs. Following these life narratives, four ethnographic accounts of participant observation at animal rights demonstrations illustrate some of the ways veganism is enacted and performed. The Roaring Silence Against Bill 156 march provides an opportunity to analyze communicative competence in speakouts. The Toronto Cow Save vigil explores the place of pilgrimage, memorial, and persuasion at slaughterhouse demonstrations along with their impacts upon various target audiences. The Toronto Cow Save vigil problematizes hegemonic violence against vegan animal rights activists via the death of Regan Russell. Finally, the GRASS Bar Isabel protest examines the spatial and verbal tensions created by protesters and police at a dynamic, hyperlocal restaurant demonstration against the presence of foie gras on the menu.

MacCath-Moran, C. S. (2024). Voices for the voiceless: animal rights activism in Canada [Doctoral dissertation]. https://research.library.mun.ca/16537/

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