September 2024
Browse Studies By Topic
Alternatives to animal products
A longitudinal analysis of usage patterns, topics, and information dissemination related to five terms for cultured meat on Twitter/X, 2010-2022.
Abstract:
Cultured-meat products, which have been hailed for their potential to address multiple drawbacks of traditional meat production, have received regulatory approval in countries including Singapore and the United States and are experiencing rapid market growth. The name of any product could influence public perceptions of it, and thereby affect consumption; and how cultured-meat products should be labeled remains the subject of debate. However, conducting large-scale consumer tests aimed at understanding the association between public perceptions of such products and the various proposed labels/names for them would be time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, this longitudinal research project on how five common cultured-meat labels have been used, and the associations between particular labels and public perceptions, instead relied on 424,382 relevant messages posted or retweeted on Twitter/X between July 2010 and December 2022. This novel approach enabled us to identify a dynamic interplay between label choice and public perceptions, and that each label was associated with a unique set of topics. Also, using social-network analysis, we were able to delineate the structures of cultured meat-related retweet networks and identify the key influencers within them. Our analysis revealed the importance of labeling within the challenging process of arriving at a consensus about what cultured meat should be called.
Chen, T., Su, L. Y.-F., Ng, Y. M. M., & Wang, Y.-C. (2024). A longitudinal analysis of usage patterns, topics, and information dissemination related to five terms for cultured meat on Twitter/X, 2010-2022. Current Research in Food Science, 100859.
A new protein source for pet food: cultivated meat.
Abstract:
Cultivated meat is an alternative protein source developed to address the sustainability, public health and animal welfare concerns of conventional meat production. Hundreds of startups and academic institutions worldwide are working to make cultivated meat a cost-effective protein source for humans. However, cultivated meat could also be used to feed dogs and cats, contributing to solving the meat supply issues that the growing pet food market has been facing in recent years. The advantages of using cultivated meat as a protein source for pets would include a reduction of the environmental impact of pets’ diets, decreased farm animal suffering and several benefits in the One Health framework, as cultivated meat-based pet food would significantly decrease the risk of spreading food safety pathogens, zoonotic diseases and resistant bacteria. The antibiotic-free manufacturing process and the aseptic conditions the cells require to grow in the bioreactors lead to these public health advantages. However, cultivated meat has never been produced at scale for human or pet consumption. Several technical challenges need to be overcome to make cultivated meat-based pet food prices accessible to consumers. As a novel ingredient, there is also no evidence of the effect of feeding cultivated meat to dogs and cats. In principle, cultivated meat can be both safe to be consumed long-term and nutritionally adequate – and with several possibilities for nutritional enhancement, potentially even superior to its conventional counterpart. However, the safety and nutritional soundness of cultivated meat-based products must be demonstrated by manufacturers to gain regulatory approval and favour consumer adoption. Veterinarians, veterinary nurses and technicians will play a critical role in the development of this new ingredient in many aspects, including product development, assessing safety and nutrition, conducting research and informing consumers. This review summarises the benefits and challenges of using cultivated meat as a pet food ingredient.
Stefanutti, D. (2024). A new protein source for pet food: cultivated meat. Companion Animal, 29(10), 2–6.
A systematic literature review and future research agenda to study consumer acceptance of novel foods and beverages.
Abstract:
In response to the rising global demand for healthier and more sustainable food resources, novel and unconventional food and beverages are being developed and incorporated into our diets. However, existing literature provides a limited understanding of consumers’ acceptance of these innovations. This study undertakes a systematic literature review to examine the dynamics between consumers and novel foods and beverages. The objectives are to uncover the factors that influence consumer choices of these products, identify future research needs, and contribute to the development of effective marketing strategies for novel food and beverage adoption.
This systematic review analyses 99 research papers, selected from an initial pool of 4,280, sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases. The papers were published between 2011 and 2023 in journals listed by Australian Business Deans Council and classified as Q1 in the SJR journal ranking. The articles have been reviewed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) protocol and TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics and Methodology) framework.
The findings highlight a reliance on data-driven methods and suggest that integrating relevant theories could enhance future research outcomes. Most studies focused on the acceptance of technology-based innovations in developed countries, indicating a need to explore novel foods and beverages in developing regions. Consumer-related factors, especially psychological aspects, were the primary focus, suggesting opportunities to investigate additional variables, such as product-related and situational factors, that influence acceptance. Finally, the predominance of quantitative research indicates a potential benefit in incorporating qualitative and multi-method approaches to gain deeper insights into consumer attitudes and motivations.
Mosikyan, S., Dolan, R., Corsi, A. M., & Bastian, S. (2024). A systematic literature review and future research agenda to study consumer acceptance of novel foods and beverages. Appetite, 107655.
Alternative use of plant-based diet for tilapia.
Abstract:
For growth and well-being, tilapia, an omnivore fish that is extensively farmed, needs proteins, fats, carbs, and vital minerals. While fats especially essential fatty acids are important for growth and health, the quality of proteins has a big influence on metabolic efficiency and growth. Because fish meal is becoming more and more expensive and has a negative environmental impact, aquaculture is looking into alternate protein sources. The nutritional profiles and palatability of plant-based alternatives such as soybean meal, insects, and animal proteins are gaining popularity. Insects are highlighted because of their high protein content and capacity to break down organic waste. Fish meal substitutes for Nile tilapia benefit from the vast research conducted on soybean meal because it is inexpensive and has a balanced amino acid profile. Plant-based diets have potential despite obstacles such as shortages in amino acids and antinutritional elements. Methods such as substituting soybean meal (SBM) can preserve tilapia development performance and enhance intestinal health. Subsequent investigations will focus on improving sustainability and effectiveness using better nutrient use and functional feed additives.
Nagi, A. B., Fatima, S., Hameed, M. U., Basharat, M., Amin, Z., Zafar, M. B., Batool, A., & Ahmad, A. (2024). Alternative use of plant-based diet for tilapia. International Journal of Veterinary Science, Homeopathy/Herbal Medicine, 194–203.
Beyond meat and plant labels: assessing stakeholders’ perceptions toward plant-based meat alternative product names [Doctoral dissertation].
Abstract:
Demand for plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) has been rising. Given that the food category is new, discussions centered on debates surrounding the PBMA product naming and labelling are rife. Particularly, around whether meat terms traditionally used to describe products of animal origin should be permitted, fearing that these terms could create misperceptions that PBMA products contain meat and possess meat-like nutritional attributes. Usage of the term “plants” may also evoke perceptions about other attributes, which are unclaimed, and which may not be true, signifying halo effects. Grounded on literature in halo effects, framing, product name, and product categorization, this thesis aims to understand the extent and mechanisms through which different components of PBMA product name, i.e., the meat terms (meat-related product format descriptor, e.g., ‘burgers’ / novel term, and absence / presence of animal meat term, e.g., ‘beef’) and qualifier (framed in plant presence, e.g., ‘plant-based’ / meat absence, e.g., ‘meatless’), may affect responses towards the PBMA product quality perceptions (or misperceptions) and behavior. To fulfill the thesis objective, a series of interview (Study 1a), survey (Study 1b), and experiments (preliminary study in Appendix A, Study 2a, Study 2b) were conducted. In Study 1a, food industry stakeholders’ perspectives were first sought using the mental model approach to further understand the arguments surrounding the PBMA product name. In-depth interviews of 15 expert stakeholders representing diverse interests in enhancing acceptance of PBMAs versus protecting consumers culminated in mental model maps, which identified the convergence and divergences of perspectives regarding PBMA product name and its regulations. Study 1b examined the prevalence of beliefs as identified in Study 1a through a survey of 271 food industry stakeholders. The findings showed a convergence in approval for the use of meat-related product format description, but divergent opinions persisted over the use of animal meat term. The two studies also found a preference for the use of the ‘plant-based’ qualifier, despite agreements for its possibility to produce halo effects related to healthiness and sustainability. To complement the food industry stakeholders’ perspectives, the next research segment focused on examining consumers’ responses, specifically, the effects of PBMA product name on their quality perceptions and behavioral intention through randomized online experiments. A pilot experiment in Study 2a was conducted with 222 university students to preliminarily assess the utility of the stimuli, measures, and procedure. It employed a 2 (product format descriptor: meat-related vs. novel) x 2 (animal meat term: present vs. absent) x 2 (qualifier: plant present vs. meat absent ‘meatless’) between-subject factorial design. Study 2b, the full experiment with a sample of 702 grocery shoppers, adopted a similar design, but with several improvements, among which, the addition of ’vegan’ as another qualifier representing meat absence qualifier. Findings revealed that exposure to meat-related product format descriptor, when paired with plant present qualifier, and sometimes also with animal meat term, could favorably influence perceptions about sensorial similarities to meat and health-related qualities, and subsequently behavioral intention. The use of animal meat term and novel product format descriptor was more likely to make people believe that the PBMA product contained meat. Interestingly, plant present qualifier could stimulate greater fiber content inference, and when paired with meat terms, could further evoke heightened perceptions of food safety and healthiness. The experiments also offered insights into the pathways in which behavioral intentions could indirectly be influenced by the PBMA product name via quality perceptions. Overall, the studies found that the use of meat-related product format descriptor, such as ‘burgers’, was more acceptable, less likely to mislead, and tended to produce favorable quality perceptions, supporting the plant-based food industry’s arguments to permit such meat terms. The animal meat term, e.g., ‘chicken’, in contrast, was less accepted and more likely to create misperception about meat content, supporting the meat industry’s arguments to restrict the meat terms. The studies also found health halo effects that could be evoked primarily by the plant present qualifier. Findings from both industry and consumer stakeholders provide critical empirical evidence for regulators and businesses to inform the PBMA product name and labelling debates to prevent consumer misleadingness and shed light into the mechanisms to enhance consumer acceptance of PBMAs.
Malik, S. (2024). Beyond meat and plant labels: assessing stakeholders’ perceptions toward plant-based meat alternative product names [Doctoral dissertation].
Consumers’ categorizations of dairy products and plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives.
Abstract:
Plant-based dairy alternatives have many benefits in terms of sustainability, animal welfare, and health, but they can only be successful in the market if consumers perceive them as suitable substitutes for conventional dairy. Consumers’ expectations for new products are strongly influenced by the food categories into which they place these products. The present study aims to reveal consumers’ categorizations of plant-based dairy products to gain insights into their potential as dairy substitutes. In a free sorting task, 100 participants from the German-speaking part of Switzerland sorted a variety of plant-based and conventional animal-based dairy products into groups, indicating their spontaneous similarity perceptions. Additionally, we assessed the participants’ characteristics and attitudes toward plant-based dairy products to test potential differences in categorization strategies among consumer groups. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis showed that consumers’ mental representations of plant-based dairy and conventional animal-based dairy were clearly separated across a wide range of product types. This pattern was even observed among consumers who ate less meat, had higher exposure to vegan dietary styles, and had less negative attitudes toward dairy alternatives. The results suggest that taxonomic distinctions based on plant or animal origin dominate consumers’ perceptions and are likely to hinder the substitution of dairy with plant-based dairy. Nevertheless, they also imply that plant-based products that manage to emphasize shared goals and functional properties akin to conventional dairy products are more likely to form a common goal–derived category in consumers’ minds and thus have better prospects as substitutes.
Etter, B., Michel, F., & Siegrist, M. (2024). Consumers’ categorizations of dairy products and plant-based milk, yogurt, and cheese alternatives. Appetite.
Consumers’ willingness-to-pay for dairy and plant-based milk alternatives towards sustainable dairy: A scoping review.
Abstract:
The dairy sector is transforming following growing concerns over sustainability, propelling innovations such as plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs). Researchers have shown increasing interest in conducting studies on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for dairy and PBMAs. This scoping review expounds on consumers’ WTP for dairy and PBMAs, focusing on attributes to understand the variation across regions, value elicitation methods, driving factors, and impact on sustainable dairy. Researchers searched the literature using Web of Science, Scopus, and AgEcon databases and used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to synthesize the findings of a scoping review of 123 worldwide studies. The reviewed studies applied stated preference (SP) and revealed preference (RP) methods, but SP methods were dominant, especially discrete choice experiments (DCEs) (42 %) and contingent valuation methods (CVM) (25 %). Consumers were willing to pay an average premium of 44 % for all attributes. Most studies were on cow milk (90 %), whereas very few investigated PBMAs and other milk types. The average WTP for the attribute categories were organic (55 %), animal welfare (53 %), origin (45 %), milk quality and safety (45 %), brand (40 %), environmental (34 %), health-related (25 %), and sensory attributes (22 %). Consumers’ WTP for dairy and PBMAs attributes impact the sustainability of the dairy sector across regions. Moreover, income, awareness, and information consciousness influenced consumers’ WTP for organic, safety, health, and environmental milk attributes. This study highlights the complexity and diversity of consumers’ WTP for dairy and PBMAs across regions. Our findings emphasize the need to employ multilevel strategies ranging from farm-level dairy production to processing and consumption to achieve socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable dairy. Future research should focus on consumers’ WTP for PBMAs and gather more evidence on how consumers in Africa and South America value sustainable dairy and PBMAs.
Madududu, P., Jourdain, D., Tran, D., Degieter, M., Karuaihe, S., Ntuli, H., & De Steur, H. (2024). Consumers’ willingness-to-pay for dairy and plant-based milk alternatives towards sustainable dairy: A scoping review. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 51, 261–277.
Cultured meat and responsible research when the future is an illusion for financial speculation.
Abstract:
Developments in cultured meat promise transformative societal and environmental impacts through remaking animals in the bioreactor. However, in contrast to many emerging technologies, the innovation niche of cultured meat is almost entirely sustained through private venture capital investment. The financial infrastructure of Silicon Valley, and its constantly shifting frontiers of hype and financial speculation is the foundation upon which cultured meat — as a product and as a vision — is based. In this paper we seek to reflect on the consequences of these financial dynamics for examining emerging technologies and future promissory discourses. Specially, we note how this financial context lends credibility to start-up founders and their future visions, who achieve legitimacy as the result of an entirely transactional arrangement: securing investment. It produces promissory narratives that are fabricated, from the start, to appeal to a set of private investors and financial interests. Equally, there are major incentives to deceive, in terms of technical possibilities, moral progress, and societal prospects, to sustain an illusion of imminent breakthrough and lucrative investment returns. The danger for futures analysis is in reifying promissory discourses that are inseparable from their ability to function convincingly as an investment pitch. In turn telling us little about possible socio-material futures because investment dynamics drive trajectories towards realising financial returns not promised social and ethical outcomes. There is a pressing need to involve voices beyond those of advocates and other immediately interested parties, and to develop critical and alternative narratives around these technologies. Otherwise, our own academic incentives to produce novel research creates the risk that scholarship becomes trapped in chasing only what is presently attractive within dynamics of financial speculation on innovations.
Helliwell, R., Bjørnerud, E., & Nerby, T. (2024). Cultured meat and responsible research when the future is an illusion for financial speculation. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 93–98). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Ethics and aesthetics of alternative protein in Japan.
Abstract:
Given the increased attention to environmental and ethical concerns from industrial livestock operations, there has been a boom in alternative protein (AP) products in the Euro-American markets. AP products have garnered significant media attention and financial investments. This paper centres on alternative meat in Japan as an example of the broader AP market. There are some analyses of their dynamics in terms of market growth and consumer attitudes in these regions. However, the dynamics in Asian markets — where the meat alternatives have historically been a part of the culinary traditions — have been under-explored. This paper zooms in on the experience of Japanese alternative meat and explores different ethical discourses that have emerged to promote it.
Kimura, A. H., & Hisano, S. (2024). Ethics and aesthetics of alternative protein in Japan. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 99–105). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Exposure to different motives of scientists moderates responses to scientific consensus: the case of cultured meat.
Abstract:
This research examines how exposure to different motives of scientists affects the impact of scientific consensus on public attitudes toward cultured meat. While scientific consensus on the safety of cultured meat generally increased positive attitudes toward it, this effect depended on information about scientists’ motives. Exposure to information about scientists’ financial motives weakened the positive effect of scientific consensus because it undermined trust in scientists. Information about scientists’ prosocial motives did not influence the scientific consensus effect. These findings suggest that perceived motives can shift trust in experts, thereby affecting the influence of experts on public attitudes.
Eom, K., & Choy, B. K. C. (2024). Exposure to different motives of scientists moderates responses to scientific consensus: the case of cultured meat. Science Communication.
Familiarity and satisfaction with plant-based meat alternatives around the world.
Abstract:
Meat consumption around the world is increasing, especially in economically developing countries (e.g., China). There is compelling evidence that the demand and consumption of meat has negative impacts on animal welfare, the environment, and people’s health. Plant-Based Meat Alternatives (PBMA) represent one approach to reducing meat consumption. However, relatively little is known about how the factors that influence PBMAs acceptance vary across countries. We sought to examine the effects of gender, age, and meat consumption on familiarity and satisfaction with PBMAs, and to explore how these effects differed across 23 countries on four continents (N = 20,966). We found that women, younger individuals, and those who consumed less meat were more familiar and satisfied with PBMAs. In Asian countries, the association between age and meat consumption with PBMA acceptance was weaker than those in Western countries, perhaps because of cultural differences in dietary traditions. Our findings highlight the importance demography and geographical context in attitudes about PBMAs and have practical implications for meat reduction efforts worldwide.
Tan, N. P.-J., Graça, J., & Hopwood, C. J. (2024). Familiarity and satisfaction with plant-based meat alternatives around the world.
Food essentialism is associated with perceptions of plant-based meat alternatives possessing properties of meat-based products.
Abstract:
A transition to greater plant-based protein consumption is recognized as a necessity for planetary and human well-being. A critical driver of acceptance of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) is perceived similarity in their sensory and nutritional profiles with conventional animal-based meat. Consumers vary in food essentialism − beliefs that categories of foods have innate and immutable ‘essences’ that are responsible for their shared properties. Here, we examined whether food essentialism is associated with perceptions that PBMAs share similar properties as the animal-based products they replicate. Participants (N=298) rated two animal-based food items (beef burger and canned tuna) and two corresponding PBMAs (plant-based burger and tuna) on perceived processing, naturalness, nutritiousness, taste (like beef or fish), typical health benefits, and liking. Participants holding higher (vs. lower) food essentialism beliefs rated PBMAs as less processed, more natural, tasting more like beef (plant-based burger only), possessing greater health benefits of the animal-based products, and as more liked (plant-based tuna only). These relationships between food essentialism and perceived food properties were observed more consistently for PBMAs than their animal-based counterparts. Beliefs that food items from a common category, such as beef, share similar essences and properties may extend to PBMAs despite their non-animal origins. Given the challenges in developing PBMAs that adequately replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional properties of meat, targeting intuitions that guide perceived similarities of PBMAs and meat, like food essentialism, may be a promising approach for supporting the protein transition.
Cheon, B. K., Tan, Y. F., & Forde, C. G. (2025). Food essentialism is associated with perceptions of plant-based meat alternatives possessing properties of meat-based products. Food Quality and Preference, 123.
How anthropomorphism shapes restaurant customers’ consumption of plant-based meat alternatives: Perceptions, attitudes, and intention to visit.
Abstract:
Despite the prevalence of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA), the acceptance of this novelty among restaurant customers has been overlooked. Using an experimental approach, we investigated the effectiveness of anthropomorphism in making PBMA appealing to non-vegetarians. Drawing on construal level theory, our findings suggest that anthropomorphism through abstract framing increases perceived human-likeness and reduces state reactance compared to non-anthropomorphism. This, in turn, leads to a more positive attitude and greater visit intention. Theoretical and practical implications for developing marketing communication strategies to achieve upselling of PBMA in restaurants are discussed.
Piao, Z., Wei, W., & Zhang, L. (2024). How anthropomorphism shapes restaurant customers’ consumption of plant-based meat alternatives: Perceptions, attitudes, and intention to visit. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 123, 103898.
In Asia, alternative proteins are the new clean energy.
Abstract:
As climate and food-security pressures intensify, the world’s most populous continent sees clear opportunities to reimagine meat — just as it did for affordable solar panels.
Huling, R., Lee, D., Nutakul, W., & Goh, S. (2024). In Asia, alternative proteins are the new clean energy. Nature, 633(8031), 767–769.
Meat alternative adoption: How climate change concern drives perceived sustainability, naturalness, and taste.
Abstract:
Conventional livestock production generates high amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to man-made climate change. Switching to meat alternatives has the potential to curb meat consumption but faces obstacles rooted in consumers’ concerns about unnaturalness, negative health implications, and excessive processing. Drawing on environmental psychology, heuristic processing, consistency theory, and the halo effect, this study develops a conceptual framework on how consumer’s climate concern, by activating climate commitment, not only directly motivates the adoption of meat alternatives, but also triggers perceptual processes, that have a favorable effect on the perception of the attributes of meat alternative products. The theoretical model was tested with an online survey of a US representative sample (N=800). Results show that climate concern positively affects meat alternative adoption by activating climate commitment. Climate commitment, in turn, through the drive for internal consistency and the halo effect, enhances the perceived sustainability, naturalness, and taste of meat alternatives, boosting their acceptance. Findings contribute to the literature by introducing a novel mechanism involving mental shortcuts based on consistency theory and the halo effect, which suggests that consumers align food product perceptions with their environmental goals. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and marketers to design effective interventions promoting more sustainable dietary choices.
Apaolaza, V., Hartmann, P., & Paredes, M. R. (2025). Meat alternative adoption: How climate change concern drives perceived sustainability, naturalness, and taste. Food Quality and Preference, 123, 105315.
Personality matters in consumer preferences for cultured meat in China.
Abstract:
This study extends our current knowledge of consumer preferences for cultured meat. We explored if personality traits have a role in affecting Chinese urban consumer choice behavior for cultured meat. We performed a choice experiment (CE) and used cultured chicken breast as a case study. The results indicate that personality traits (i.e., agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientiousness) influence consumer preference for cultured meat. Our findings provide valuable insights into the psychology of consumer preferences and attitudes that can help to effectively communicate the nature of cultured meat to the public. They also have relevant implications for cultured-meat producers, and policy makers.
Jin, S., Zhai, Q., Yuan, R., Asioli, D., & Nayga, R. M. (2025). Personality matters in consumer preferences for cultured meat in China. Food Quality and Preference, 123, 105317.
Plant-based meat analogs: Perspectives on their meatiness, nutritional profile, environmental sustainability, acceptance and challenges.
Abstract:
Purpose of Review: Plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs) have been the subject of interest over the past few years due to consumers’ demand for environmentally friendly, healthful, and non-animal-based foods. A better comprehension of the composition, structure, texture, nutrition, and sustainability of these PBMAs is necessary.
Recent Findings: This review articulates the protein sources and composition of PBMAs and their “meatiness” with respect to texture, structure, and flavor enhancement. The components used in the analogs, such as unsaturated fats, fibers, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and plant-based oils enriching their nutritional profile, are described. The study identifies the environmental and sustainability impact of PBMAs, as crucial to the survival and maintenance of biodiversity.
Summary: More studies are warranted to scope and underscore the significance of the analogs and comprehend the texture or structure-function relationships. Further product development and testing thereof may ultimately result in quality meat analogs that respect meat taste, health and acceptance of consumers, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and current challenges.
Yan, Z., Liu, C., Zhang, X., Wen, C., Olatunji, O. J., Lee, C.-C., & Ashaolu, T. J. (2024). Plant-based meat analogs: Perspectives on their meatiness, nutritional profile, environmental sustainability, acceptance and challenges. Current Nutrition Reports.
The role of conventional meat unnaturalness in cultured meat acceptance: A test of holistic mindset.
Abstract:
The eventual reality of a cultured meat market is increasingly uncertain, primarily due to low consumer acceptance levels influenced by perceptions of unnaturalness towards cultured meat. Previous research has shown limited success in increasing acceptance through naturalness messages. In this research, we employ a counter-messaging strategy that highlights the unnaturalness of conventional meat and show that it is effective at increasing willingness to try cultured meat among a particular consumer segment. Across two experimental studies, we show that this counter-messaging strategy is successful at increasing willingness to try cultured meat among holistic mindset consumers—i.e., those holding beliefs to the effect that considering the whole is fundamental to understanding the parts of a phenomenon. We establish this effect by both measuring (Study 1) and priming (Study 2) analytic-holistic mindset and also establish the mechanism driving this interactive effect (Study 2): positively-valenced feelings. Our findings are informative theoretically, extending mindset and counter-messaging theory to the context of cultured meat and, practically, offering crucial pointers to stakeholders interested in the promotion of cultured meat.
Arango, L., Septianto, F., & Pontes, N. (2024). The role of conventional meat unnaturalness in cultured meat acceptance: A test of holistic mindset. Appetite, 107656.
Transforming plant proteins into plant-based meat alternatives: challenges and future scope.
Abstract:
The global transition towards sustainable living has led to a growing demand for innovative food products that enhance environmental sustainability. Traditional meat production is known for its high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions, necessitating alternative approaches. Plant-based meat (PBM) offers a promising solution to reduce the ecological footprint of animal agriculture. This paper examines various challenges in PBM development, including nutritional equivalence, industrial scalability, organoleptic properties, and digestibility. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure consumer acceptance, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. Advanced technologies like nanotechnology, fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis, along with automation and repurposing cattle farms, offer solutions to enhance PBM’s quality and production efficiency. By integrating these innovations, PBM has the potential to revolutionize the food industry, offering sustainable and nutritious alternatives that meet global dietary needs while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Prajapati, P., Garg, M., Singh, N., Chopra, R., Mittal, A., & Sabharwal, P. K. (2024). Transforming plant proteins into plant-based meat alternatives: challenges and future scope. Food Science and Biotechnology.
Animal product consumption
Disgust and distaste – Differential mechanisms for the rejection of plant- and animal-source foods.
Abstract:
People may reject foods due to distaste (a non-emotive reaction to undesirable sensory properties) or disgust (an emotive response to the idea of what a food represents). Disgust can further be classified into sub-types: core, animal-reminder, and moral disgust, all of which could influence food rejection. Prior research suggests different rejection mechanisms for plant and animal foods. We aimed to test this in an online study with a combined sample of 304 vegetarians and omnivores. Participants rated foods (meat and vegetables) they rejected for consumption on criteria related to distaste (e.g. objection to taste), general disgust (e.g. contamination potential of the food), and specific disgust sub-types. Ratings across these criteria created unique response profiles for commonly disliked vegetables, meats, universal disgust elicitors, and accepted food (control). Visual inspection of response profiles, correlations, and a multidimensional scaling analysis all revealed clear differences between responses to plant foods, rejected based on distaste, and responses to meat and disgust elicitors, rejected based on disgust. Exploring the meat disgust response profile suggested that core disgust was the primary response, with animal-reminder and moral disgust sometimes experienced in addition. This study confirms differential rejection mechanisms for plant-based foods (rejected via distaste) and meat (rejected via (core) disgust). This suggests different evolutionary strategies humans had to adapt to cope with plant toxins detectable through distaste and pathogens found in meat not detectable by taste. Such adaptations could be leveraged in future interventions to reduce meat consumption or increase vegetable intake.
Becker, E., & Lawrence, N. S. (2024). Disgust and distaste – Differential mechanisms for the rejection of plant- and animal-source foods.
Dissociation of dairy from its animal origin and the role of disgust to reduce dairy consumption.
Abstract:
Human consumption of cow milk dairy is detrimental to both animal welfare and maintaining climate stability. In two studies, we investigated the relationship between dairy consumption and features of cow milk associated with disgust and food rejection: its animal origin as a bodily fluid and pathogen susceptibility. Specifically, we examined whether emphasising these features through the link between cow milk and lactate would reduce willingness to consume dairy through increased disgust. In Study 1 we conducted an online experiment (N = 155; between-persons) manipulating the salience of these features (reading about lactation vs. digestion in cows) and measured the effect on disgust towards cow milk and willingness to consume cow milk and derived dairy products. Compared to the digestion manipulation, the lactation manipulation significantly increased disgust towards dairy, which fully mediated a reduction in self-reported consumption willingness. Study 2 was a conceptual replication with an in-person experiment (N = 76; within-persons) using the same manipulation (reading about lactation in cows) and measuring disgust towards cow milk and behavioural intentions to eat dairy milk chocolate (serving size). We found a similar increase in disgust towards dairy but no effect on milk chocolate serving size. We conclude that emphasising the bodily nature of lactation increases disgust towards cow milk, but this does not reliably decrease intended consumption.
Pedersen, J. M. E., & Loughnan, S. (2024). Dissociation of dairy from its animal origin and the role of disgust to reduce dairy consumption. Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations, 3.
Low awareness and affordability are major drivers of low consumption of animal-source foods among children in Northern Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study.
Abstract:
Animal-source foods (ASFs), contain high amounts of essential nutrients that are readily absorbed by the body. However, children in resource-constrained settings often have limited access to these nutritious foods. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for the low consumption of ASFs among children in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. A community-based mixed-methods study was conducted, using exploratory qualitative methods supplemented by the analysis of secondary data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The qualitative study employed a multiphase stepwise design and the maximum variation purposive sampling technique, enroling a diverse range of participants such as mothers and/or caregivers, household heads, religious and community leaders, health and nutrition experts, and others. The qualitative data were analysed using a thematic framework analysis method, while the quantitative data were analysed using SPSS v22 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of ASFs among children under 5 years of age in the region. Despite the large and diverse livestock populations available, only 13.2% of children consumed at least one animal-source food (ASF) in the prior day. The most consumed ASFs were dairy and eggs, whereas beef, organ meat, and seafood were the least consumed. Household demographics such as residence, literacy level, paternal age, and household wealth quintiles influenced the overall consumption of ASFs. The main reasons for the low consumption of ASFs among children were unaffordability and poor awareness among caregivers. In addition, religious misconceptions, price hikes, limited availability during certain seasons, low productivity, insufficient support from health professionals, and time constraints for caregivers were also mentioned as significant barriers to ASF consumption in the area. The consumption of ASFs among children in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, remains very low. This is mainly due to the caregivers’ levels of awareness and unaffordability of ASFs. It is recommended that behavioural and sociocultural interventions be implemented that target caregivers to improve the consumption of ASFs among children.
Zerfu, T., Duncan, A., Baltenweck, I., & McNeill, G. (2024). Low awareness and affordability are major drivers of low consumption of animal-source foods among children in Northern Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study. Maternal & Child Nutrition, e13720.
Meat fans’ and meat reducers’ attitudes towards meat consumption and hybrid meat products in theUK : a cluster analysis.
Abstract:
Meat reduction, rather than total elimination, is emerging as a popular trend that fulfils most consumer demands. In this study, using survey results from 802 United Kingdom residents, we identified distinct groups of consumers based on their meat consumption habits and explored their attitudes towards meat reduction and their perception of hybrid meat products. Two distinct consumer segments were identified, named ‘fans’ and ‘reducers’. ‘Fans’ were unwilling to reduce their meat consumption, considering it a right that makes them feel good. They were more optimistic regarding environmental concerns and less enthusiastic about the idea of hybrid meat products. On the other hand, ‘reducers’, although they consumed meat, expressed feeling bad about it and reported high levels of environmental concerns. These differences were also reflected in their willingness to eat and buy hybrid meat products, as well as the desired type of meat and meat-to-plant-based ratio in their chosen hybrid meat.
Melios, S., & Grasso, S. (2024). Meat fans’ and meat reducers’ attitudes towards meat consumption and hybrid meat products in theUK : a cluster analysis. International Journal of Food Science & Technology.
‘Point and kill’ vs animal rights: A moral examination.
Abstract:
This study critically examines the ethical implications of the practice
known as “point and kill,” wherein nonhuman animals are selected and
immediately killed for food, a practice that has become commonplace in many African cultures. While food is essential for the survival and growth of both human and nonhuman animals, the manner in which nonhuman animals are often treated as mere commodities raises significant ethical concerns. Despite extensive debates in contemporary animal ethics, the focus has predominantly been on issues such as biomedical research, animal confinement, and entertainment, with relatively little attention given to the ethical ramifications of using animals for food, particularly in the context of practices like “point and kill.” This paper addresses the gap in the literature by interrogating the moral worth of nonhuman animals and questioning the justification for their wanton killing for human consumption. Employing critical and conceptual analysis, the study draws on the Igbo philosophy of ‘ugwu anu’ (animal integrity) to argue against speciesism and advocate for the moral consideration of nonhuman animals. It contends that nonhuman animals deserve care, respect, and fair
treatment, and that the practice of “point and kill” reflects a speciesist attitude that undermines the inherent value of animal life. By bringing this issue to the forefront, the study contributes to the broader discourse on animal ethics and calls for a reevaluation of culturally ingrained practices that perpetuate animal suffering.
Chukwuemeka, M. I. (2024). ‘Point and kill’ vs animal rights: A moral examination. Global Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 6(05), 210–216.
Untangling the dairy paradox: how vegetarians experience and navigate the cognitive dissonance aroused by their dairy consumption.
Abstract:
Most people eat meat, yet report valuing the environment, animal life, and their health, which contradicts this dietary behaviour. The psychological discomfort aroused by this value-behaviour inconsistency, and the strategies meat eaters use to resolve this unpleasant state, is termed the ‘meat paradox’. Vegetarians eschew meat consumption, but the negative implications of dairy are comparable to meat. We investigated the ‘dairy paradox’ in a sample of vegetarians (N = 378) using an experimental design. Specifically, we tested whether vegetarians experienced cognitive dissonance after reading about the environmental, animal welfare, and health impacts of dairy consumption when compared to a control group not exposed to this information. Then, we examined to what extent perceiving dairy consumption as Natural, Necessary, Normal, Nice, or Neglectable, and denial of cows’ mental states (Experience or Agency) predicted reduced cognitive dissonance. Vegetarians in the dissonance-induction condition reported experiencing significantly greater dissonance, though they more strongly rejected the justification strategies. Instead, they reported greater intentions to reduce their dairy consumption than vegetarians in the control condition. Rather than replicating findings from the meat paradox literature, these results suggest that vegetarians respond to uncomfortable feelings about their value-behaviour conflict with a greater intention to abandon the incongruent behaviour, rather than endorsing the cognitions that justify it. This research provides evidence that vegetarians experience a dairy paradox. Given the success of our study in shifting participants away from behavioural justification and toward behavioural change intentions, our findings can help guide the design of interventions seeking to reduce dairy consumption.
Davies, C. A., & Stanley, S. K. (2024). Untangling the dairy paradox: how vegetarians experience and navigate the cognitive dissonance aroused by their dairy consumption. Appetite, 107692.
Validity of a four-item questionnaire in French assessing attachment to meat.
Abstract:
Background: The 16-item Meat Attachment Questionnaire (MAQ-16) assesses emotional and cognitive attachment to meat across four dimensions: hedonism, affinity, entitlement, and dependence. Recently validated in French, we aimed to develop and validate a shorter, four-item version (MAQf-4) to reduce participant burden.
Methods: In this 2023 observational study in the Rhône-Alpes region, 919 primary care patients were invited to complete the French MAQ-16 (MAQf-16). Classical test theory guided the development of the MAQf-4, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients assessed its correlation with the MAQf-16 (dimension and overall scores). We also evaluated the diagnostic performance of the MAQf-4 for identifying patients with high meat attachment (MAQf-16 score > 60).
Results: A total of 822 patients participated (65.3% women; median age = 52; participation rate = 89.5%). The MAQf-4 showed strong correlations with the MAQf-16 (rho = 0.83 for hedonism, 0.77 for affinity, 0.70 for entitlement, 0.79 for dependence, and 0.86 for the overall score, all p-values <0.001). A score < 15 on the MAQf-4 (sensitivity = 91%, NPV = 96%) effectively excluded patients with low meat attachment, while a score ≥ 17 (specificity = 96%, PPV = 84%) accurately identified those with high attachment.
Conclusion: The MAQf-4 demonstrated strong correlation with the MAQf-16 and accurately identified high attachment to meat. It may serve as a useful tool in research and clinical settings, though further validation is required before broad implementation in French primary care.
Sebo, P., Tudrej, B., Bernard, A., Delaunay, B., Dupuy, A., Malavergne, C., & Maisonneuve, H. (2024). Validity of a four-item questionnaire in French assessing attachment to meat. Frontiers in Medicine, 11.
Why do people choose to eat meat? — Changing views on meat replacement.
Abstract:
Meat replacement is a growing market in the European Union (EU) and a topic of intense public debate. Discussions are usually conducted from very emotional and heated positions and current media are giving a lot of space to more extreme positions in this debate. During the project WernahR, we planned to investigate the opinions and attitudes of consumers towards meat and meat replacement, including myths relating to meat and meat-free diets such as “Meat-free diets cause iron deficiency.” or “A plantbased diet causes tropic deforestation.”. We provided a group of interested volunteers with information from different sides of the debate. The participants opted into the project group during a public panel discussion on meat replacement or were recruited from students at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover. This resulted in a diverse group regarding age and education with a small bias towards young people (>30 years). Participants were asked to attend six events, ranging from evening expert lectures on nutrition, sustainable agriculture including animal welfare considerations, and canteen cooking to excursions to a farm and a slaughterhouse, and changing attitudes towards meat and meat replacement were measured through questionnaires and videos of group discussions throughout the project. Especially people who started out strictly vegetarian showed a relaxation of their attitudes towards meat, indicating the importance of diverse sets of information to make a decision about a topic as personal and societal as food choices. This project was funded by the Ministry of Science and Culture in Lower Saxony (MWK) as part of the call “Zukunftsdiskurse”, Grant number 11-76251-1226/2023 ZN 4113.
Hirnet, J., Bollmeier, T., Persson, K., Nelke, A., Kunzmann, P., & Plötz, M. (2024). Why do people choose to eat meat? — Changing views on meat replacement. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 106–111). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Animal welfare
Animal pain as a matter of technology: Ethical aspects of using automated pain detection for farmed animals.
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are increasingly influential across various socio-ecological domains, including agriculture, where ethical concerns are paramount. One critical area involves using AI for automated pain detection (APD) in farmed animals, a technology aimed at supposedly improving animal welfare by identifying pain through methods such as facial recognition. This short paper addresses the ethical implications of APD, noting its current use and potential expansion in agriculture. Despite its
promise, APD’s effectiveness and validity remain contentious, with significant ethical issues stemming from data quality, algorithm reliability, and the deep ties between APD development and the animal agriculture industry. Moreover, fundamental philosophical questions about the nature of pain and
the limitations of detecting it automatically pose intrinsic ethical challenges. These include the risk of oversimplifying animal welfare. The paper calls for comprehensive ethical evaluations of APD technologies before implementing them increasingly in agriculture.
Bossert, L. N., & Ryan, M. (2024). Animal pain as a matter of technology: Ethical aspects of using automated pain detection for farmed animals. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 261–266). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Animal welfare for a healthy and sustainable agrifood system.
Abstract:
Animal production systems that disregard the dignity of sentient living beings are prevalent across the globe. Yet, they play a key role in generating agricultural income and supporting human food supply. Intensive animal production nowadays is highly dependent on antibiotics, increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that simultaneously affects human and animal health and the environment. The advance of AMR is one of the greatest contemporary threats to global health. At the same time, approximately 40% of the world’s grain is fed to livestock rather than consumed by humans. This grain production is highly subsidised all around the world. Consequently, feeding these animals has a high socio-environmental cost, given the burden it represents over public finances and the use of areas that could be destined for human food or biome regeneration. Furthermore, the supply of animal-source foods (except in Sub-Saharan Africa) is far greater than what is needed to meet human nutritional requirements, raising the issue of equity. Animal production systems should rapidly change to significantly reduce the use of antimicrobials and provide safe and sustainable diets through public policies based on the One Health approach, e.g., by encouraging preventive working standards, improving biosecurity measures, using alternatives to antimicrobials and direct subsidies to plant diversification. Reducing animal density in intensive production systems is essential to afford farmed animals an improved animal welfare. Other efficient measures to optimise the use and minimise the need for antibiotics include promoting a more diversified diet, predominantly sub-products, healthy and enriched breeding environments, and genetically diverse and immunologically robust animals. Strengthening local production, diversifying, and increasing the presence of a variety of plant-sourced products in diets are also part of policies for the sector.
Albernaz-Gonçalves, R., Marrocos Leite, F. H., & Hötzel, M. J. (2024). Animal welfare for a healthy and sustainable agrifood system.
Animal welfare: Pathway to kinder world.
Abstract:
The word “welfare” is applied to both humans and animals. An individual’s welfare is determined by how well they are attempting to adapt to their surroundings, and adapting means maintaining mental and physical stability. Welfare includes an individual’s emotions and physical well-being as well as the operation of several behavioural, physiological, and other adaptive systems. The study of animal welfare has shed light on a variety of animals’ requirements and well-being. Animal welfare concern started after the publication of the book ‘Animal Machine’ and was formulated by ‘Ruth Harrison’, but now it become a major concern globally. Both governments and other non-governmental agencies are working for the welfare of the animals, and different laws and regulations are made for the welfare of the animals in every aspect. Various assessment parameters are there to assess welfare including health, production, physiology, and animal behaviour. Among, behaviour of the animal has the greatest value for the assessment. International traders are including animal welfare as a governing factor as consumers become more aware and want cruelty free behaviour with animals. This article discusses welfare and its different aspects, including history, various definitions, and the status of animal welfare globally.
A., Paul, S., Singh, B., & Sachan, N. (2024). Animal welfare: Pathway to kinder world. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, 9(5), 237–244.
Discourses on positive animal welfare by sheep farmers and industry actors: implications for science and communication.
Abstract:
This research examines how sheep farmers and industry actors in the United Kingdom (UK) understand and conceptualize what animal welfare scientists term ‘positive animal welfare’. It explores their awareness of the concept, and how they interpret it using a qualitative approach. Participants were recruited using a snowballing, purposive sample approach, resulting in 25 sheep farmers and 11 industry actors (veterinarians, farming organizations, advisors, and supply chain) being interviewed. To collect data, a combined approach involving semi-structured interviews and a facilitated workshop were used between April 2021 and March 2022. Data were then thematically analyzed using a hybrid of inductive and deductive coding process. The findings suggested that the perceptions of farmers and industry actors in the study regarding positive welfare differ from contemporary academic discourses. Overall, around 7 of the farmers equated positive welfare with “positive stockmanship”, while six of them expressed “good animal welfare” definitions associated with the Five Freedoms. In contrast, most industry actors (6) expressed interpretations associated with high welfare standards (going above minimum recommended practices) and positive mental experiences (3). Emerging discourses revealed the link between self-identity, social identity and what positive welfare is, the importance of knowledge exchange, and the need for practical indicators through language rephrasing. There is a clear need to enhance and improve knowledge dissemination strategies, particularly in the UK, where much research is being conducted on positive animal welfare.
Muhammad, M., Stokes, J. E., Manning, L., & Huang, I. Y. (2024). Discourses on positive animal welfare by sheep farmers and industry actors: implications for science and communication. Veterinary Sciences, 11(10), 452.
First scientific assessment protocol to assess animal welfare in cattle: a novel study from India.
Abstract:
The increasing importance of animal welfare in Veterinary Medicine highlights the need for a comprehensive scientific assessment protocol for evaluating animal well-being across diverse animal husbandry setups in Haryana, India. In light of this gap, our study has been meticulously crafted to rectify these critical deficiencies and a protocol was developed to assess animal welfare in cattle. Conducted over 1.5 years (March 2022 – August 2023) in various animal husbandry setups of cattle [gaushalas (cattle shelters) having zebu cattle, organized and unorganized farms having exotic/crossbred cattle] across two agro-climatic zones (North Eastern (NE) and South Western (SW) Haryana), the study involved two stages. First, a detailed analysis of existing studies utilizing different biomarkers as indicators of bovine health and welfare, both in our country and abroad, was performed. The second stage involved evaluating selected animal welfare biomarkers in different husbandry setups. Through comprehensive analysis, we identified the necessity of a systematic evaluation protocol comprising twenty welfare indicators, including four physical measures, two behavioral measures and fourteen physiological/immunological measures. For the first time in India, this diverse set of indicators provides a robust foundation for thoroughly and scientifically evaluating and monitoring the health and welfare of cattle across different husbandry setups.
Kumar, A., Sindhu, N., Kumar, T., Maharana, B. R., Sharma, M., Bhyan, P., Yadav, A., Magotra, A., Gupta, S., & Punia, S. (2024). First scientific assessment protocol to assess animal welfare in cattle: a novel study from India. Research Square.
Good animal welfare in a sustainable food system.
Abstract:
Debates on animal welfare have increased in quantity and intensity. This applies particularly to animal welfare issues in food production, positively and negatively. Polarization is a diagnosis that describes an increased distance between what can be understood as ecocentric and anthropocentric extremes and viewpoints on what good animal welfare is. It is not only those who are in direct relation to animals who are engaged, actors and activists who are not connected to, for example, livestock production, are also involved. In this paper, we explore what animal welfare means in a sustainable food system and ask if animals can be integrated into communication on how good animal welfare can be achieved. What is best for animals? Research on animal welfare started with ethical concerns about the quality of life of animals (Fraser et al., 1997, Tolo and Kittelsen, unpublished data). But how can ethics be integrated into human-animal communication? While acknowledging Habermas’ (1995) divide between human and non-human agents in communicative action, we are inspired by Hendlin and Otts’ (2016) and Nowak et al.’s (2022) revision of Habermas’ anthropocentric theoretical foundation and practical discourse and add Nussbaum’s (2022) capability approach, to allow for the inclusion of a discussion of the moral importance, wellbeing, and functioning as ascribed to animals. With this, we are extending the discourse community beyond human communication. Through the inclusion of both non-human and human agency, we discuss how we can achieve good animal welfare in a sustainable food system.
Bjørkhaug, H., & Thorseth, M. (2024). Good animal welfare in a sustainable food system. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 199–204). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
QALY as a supporting factor for animal model selection in animal research.
Abstract:
Given the utilitarian basis of animal research legislation (we focus on the German and Swiss Animal Welfare Acts, here, but acknowledge European animal research regulations, namely the Directive 2010/63, too), it seems plausible to suggest further utility-based tools for decision-making in animal research. The “Quality-Adjusted-Life Years” (QALY) is a measure in medicine and public health, originally used to compare different approaches in a health care system (population-based) or different interventions for an individual patient (individual-based) in clinical decision-making regarding the outcome for the patients (and, consequently, their cost-effectiveness). The basic idea of QALY is the integration of the expected remaining quantity and quality of life for a patient, whereby quantity is measured in years and quality in a health state value between zero (death) and one (perfect health), occasionally also including negative values for states worth than death. In animal research, the selection of animal models is currently based on different ethical, legal, and practical criteria, such as: preferring non-vertebrates over vertebrates, fish over mammals, less sentient over more sentient animals, wellestablished model organisms over less conventional species, choosing animals “lower on the evolutionary scale”, natural hosts, or those animals who are easier to handle. From an animal ethics perspective, in contrast to the suffering inflicted during experimental procedures, the loss of lifetime for the individual animal when being used for a research study is currently not taken into consideration. Here, we want to suggest implementing QALY in animal research (QALYAR) as a way of including this criterion as a morally relevant aspect for the model selection in animal research. Like in the QALY calculation, a health state value should be attributed to each phase of the potential laboratory animal’s life. QALYAR can, accordingly, be influenced not only by the choice of animal species (or breeding line) but also by the animal’s age at the time of the experiment, by different solutions to take care of animals after the experiment, and by the refinement of all human-animal-interaction in the animal’s life. An adaptation of the original parameters to calculate QALY in human medicine would have to be discussed for QALYAR in detail.
Persson, K., & Hartstang, S. (2024). QALY as a supporting factor for animal model selection in animal research. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 299–304). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Serving up cruelty—A chicken-industry exposé.
Abstract:
Mercy For Animals’ newly released Frankenchickens Report exposes which major food companies are perpetuating some of the cruelest practices in the chicken industry. In the past decade, more than 200 major food companies in North America have adopted the Better Chicken Commitment, a set of meaningful science-based standards to improve the welfare of chickens raised for meat. Most of these companies had a self-imposed deadline of 2024 to fulfill the standards.
Bazzi, M.. (2024). Serving up cruelty—A chicken-industry exposé. Mercy for Animals.
The history of animal welfare and its connection to ethics.
Abstract:
This extended abstract explores the evolution of the concept of animal welfare from its ancient roots to its contemporary scientific and ethical framework. The discourse begins in ancient Egypt, with the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus offering early insights into animal husbandry practices that imply a nascent awareness of animal welfare. This historical thread extends to the philosophical inquiries of ancient Greece, where figures like Aristotle and Pythagoras engaged in early explorations of animal cognition and thriving, suggesting an understanding of animal well-being that transcends mere survival. The Enlightenment period marks a significant paradigm shift, with thinkers such as Frederik Christian Eilschov and later Jeremy Bentham advocating for the consideration of animal welfare on ethical grounds, independent of religious or utilitarian justifications. This era catalysed a departure from theological frameworks towards a secular, ethically grounded approach to animal welfare, emphasizing the intrinsic value of animals’ experiences and their rights to live free from undue suffering. The modern concept of animal welfare crystallized around the turn of the 20th century, paralleling the rise of animal protection societies in Europe, notably among others the Royal Society for the Protection of
Animals. Charles Westley Hume played a pivotal role in this development, founding the University of London Animal Welfare Society (later the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)). Hume’s vision was to establish animal welfare as a legitimate field of scientific inquiry, integrating
ethical considerations with rigorous scientific research. UFAW’s mission attracted significant attention, despite initial challenges, setting the stage for the concept’s gradual acceptance within the scientific community. The evolution of animal welfare reflects a complex interplay between ethical imperatives and scientific inquiry, demonstrating a consistent recognition of animals as sentient beings deserving of ethical consideration across cultures and epochs. This historical journey underscores the importance of conceptual awareness in animal behaviour and welfare sciences, as understanding the origins and trajectories of concepts like animal welfare can enrich scientific inquiry and ethical considerations, enhancing the well-being of animals under human care – and perhaps in the wild. The concept of animal welfare, young in its scientific application yet ancient in its ethical implications, continues to evolve, challenging us to reconsider our interactions with animals and our responsibilities toward both
scientific enquiry and animal welfare.
Harfeld, J. L. (2024). The history of animal welfare and its connection to ethics. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 193–198). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
The role of ethical orientation in animal welfare choice behaviour: A segmentation study.
Abstract:
Consumers are becoming more and more conscious about their consumption choices, demanding more sustainable, healthy and fair options. Meat consumption especially is under scrutiny for environmental as well as ethical reasons. We develop a set of items to measure ethical orientation and apply it to consumers’ choices of meat products with 3000 consumers across six European countries (Denmark, Germany, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Italy). We find consumer preferences to be similar across countries, with two thirds of consumers showing a preference for animal welfare attributes, especially outdoor access. Consumer segments can be differentiated based on their degree of ethical orientation, environmental concern, level of trust in the food system and price sensitivity. Ethical orientation differentiates between consumers’ self-reported welfare meat purchases. Our results contribute to the literature on consumer behavior regarding farm animal welfare across different meat product and countries.
Peschel, A. O., Thomsen, K., Tsalis, G., & Grunert, K. G. (2025). The role of ethical orientation in animal welfare choice behaviour: A segmentation study. Food Quality and Preference, 123, 105334.
Aquatic animal welfare
9 out of 10 people polled across nine EU countries want better protection for farmed fish.
Abstract:
Eurogroup for Animals and Compassion in World Farming call for stronger EU fish welfare legislation as overwhelming majority backs better protection.
Eurogroup for Animals, Compassion in World Farming. (2024). 9 out of 10 people polled across nine EU countries want better protection for farmed fish. Eurogroup for Animals.
Development of welfare protocols at slaughter in farmed fish.
Abstract:
The study investigated fish welfare at slaughter. Killing animals may induce suffering to the animals even under the best available technical conditions. Moreover, fish have different physiological characteristics and are slaughtered differently from terrestrial animals. The use of commercially available methods exposes farmed fish to pain and suffering during slaughter, which could lead to acute stress and post mortem changes in fish quality. The study aimed to discuss (i) the current knowledge and knowledge gaps on fish welfare related to stunning and killing methods; (ii) the variables that affect the post mortem changes in fish meat, and (iii) the indicators of welfare during slaughter. Application of welfare protocols at slaughter improves fish welfare. Specific protocols for fish are not provided in EC Regulation 1099/2009 on animal protection at killing. Detailed guidelines in the fish welfare assessment may allow the development of specific fish legislation. Developing humane technologies might have important effects on fish quality, consumer perception and aquaculture economics.
Mercogliano, R., Avolio, A., Castiello, F., & Ferrante, M. C. (2024). Development of welfare protocols at slaughter in farmed fish. Animals : An Open Access Journal from MDPI, 14(18).
Dying for a canape: the welfare implications associated with both traditional and “ethical” production of caviar from sturgeon.
Abstract:
The farming of sturgeon to produce caviar is increasing globally, even though little is known about the welfare implications of aquaculture for these unique, long-living, and large animals. The use of non-lethal methods for egg harvesting is increasing, as these methods are thought to offer a more ethical alternative to traditional methods where the female is killed. However, these “non-lethal” methods raise significant welfare concerns including routine handling, surgical procedures, and painful procedures, and could potentially perpetuate suffering. Consequently, there is an urgent need for significant exploration and research into this field. This review presents and discusses some of the welfare concerns associated with producing caviar from sturgeon, including the traditional and non-lethal methods of egg harvesting and the concerns associated with rearing them in aquaculture systems. It concludes in stating that the welfare issues involved with non-lethal caviar production are too sizeable to warrant its description as an “ethical or humane” alternative to traditional caviar production.
Lambert, H., & Emam, W. (2024). Dying for a canape: the welfare implications associated with both traditional and “ethical” production of caviar from sturgeon. Frontiers in Animal Science, 5.
Fishmeal substitutions and their implications for aquatic animal immune and gut function: A review.
Abstract:
Fishmeal has long been a major ingredient in the aqua feed industry. However, as the aquaculture sector continues to grow rapidly, its heavy reliance on fishmeal is constrained by resource limitations and sustainability goals. Consequently, research has increasingly focused on alternative protein sources for feed preparation. This shift has gained momentum and success through the identification of suitable alternatives that do not compromise the growth of fish and shellfish. While alternative proteins can replace fishmeal to varying degrees, their effects are species-specific and dose-dependent. Unfortunately, many alternatives lack proper micronutrient composition and may contain toxic elements that could harm animal welfare. Plant-based proteins may change the gut flora and induce modest intestinal inflammation, but they may also moderately boost immune responses. Antioxidant capability and disease resistance can be enhanced by microbial and animal-based protein sources. The limited research reported on aquatic animals remains fragmented and requires systematic evaluation to focus on the immune and gut impairments caused by such substitutions. This review examines the impact of fishmeal replacement with alternative protein sources on the immunological function and gut health of aquatic animals in aquaculture. It synthesizes research on plant-based, animal-based, and microbial protein substitutes, evaluating their effects on the host microbiome, immune capacity, disease resistance, and intestinal histo-morphology. Finally, it stresses the need for species-specific and ingredient-specific evaluations to optimize aqua feeds and identifies knowledge gaps in long-term effects and underlying mechanisms.
Dhar, V., Singh, S. K., Narsale, S. A., Debbarma, S., Saikia, P., & Yirang, Y. (2024). Fishmeal substitutions and their implications for aquatic animal immune and gut function: A review. Comparative Immunology Reports, 7, 200171.
Climate change and sustainability
A new “sustainable” taxation: the carbon (meat) tax.
Abstract:
The latest assessment report on climate change published by the Inter Government Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), among the concretely implementable tools to avoid the increase in global temperature, includes the need for a change in eating habits towards diets with low carbon content, which lead to a greater consumption of vegetables and fruit and a substantial reduction in that of red meat. This change in diet would also help limit the negative effects associated with obesity and overweight. A transition towards a healthy and sustainable diet is therefore necessary. There are many strategies useful for this purpose. These also include taxation which can be implemented in the use of already existing fiscal instruments (reduction or increase in VAT applied on more or less healthy products) or in the introduction of new taxes, capable of making the prices of the taxed products inclusive of the negative externalities resulting on an environmental and healthy level. The opportunity – from a promotional perspective – of a taxation of this kind emerges from multiple profiles: it can, in fact, contribute to the objective through the price increase deriving from the levy (and the related dissuasive force) but also with the desirable finalization of the revenue thus received to finance accessory measures of a non-authoritative nature (investments in sustainable production, reduction of VAT on healthier foods, establishment of awareness campaigns, etc.) which, in a multi-sectoral logic, must necessarily exist.
D’Ignazio, M. (2024). A new “sustainable” taxation: the carbon (meat) tax. In Proceedings of the XI International Scientific Conference “Social Changes in the Global World”-Section Young Researchers 2024 (pp. 38–45). Faculty of Law, Goce Delcev University.
Integrating animal welfare into Life Cycle Assessment: A framework illustrated with pig farming.
Abstract:
Regulators and consumers are requesting transparent, practical, and holistic approaches to assessing the sustainability of production systems. Especially in food production with livestock, grasping animal welfare and social concerns, as well as designing tangible sustainability assessment schemes, are challenging. This study investigates animal welfare evaluation as an impact category for the life cycle assessment (LCA) of pig farming and proposes combining environmental and social factors. The animal welfare impact valuation is grounded in a quantitative approach comprising a weighted set of indicators derived through an expert survey using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The goal is to develop an easy-to-implement assessment that transforms the indicator’s characteristics into a comparable value. The evaluation results indicate that the main criteria single animal observation and feed intake represent the most relevant factors, at 31%, followed by operation-specific parameters at 24% and husbandry conditions at 15%. The study highlights that animal losses (14%) significantly influence the impact category, whereas access to outdoor areas (1%) are less important. The presented framework has the potential to advance sustainability assessments across animal farming domains, contributing to the broader discourse on holistic sustainability evaluations and simultaneously improving husbandry conditions.
Treml, N., Rudi, A., Naber, E., & Schultmann, F. (2024). Integrating animal welfare into Life Cycle Assessment: A framework illustrated with pig farming.
Leading by example from high-status individuals: exploring a crucial missing link in climate change mitigation.
Abstract:
Behaviour change has great potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly, helping to prevent dangerous global warming. Some of the most impactful changes are: flying less, eating less meat, driving electric cars, improving home energy efficiency, increased use of public transport and active travel. However, these choices have proved elusive at scale and are rarely encouraged or modelled by high-status individuals (“leaders”), despite established knowledge about the influence of leaders as role models. Applying theories of embodied leadership and credibility enhancing displays, our novel pre-registered survey experiment (n = 1267) reveals that visible leading by example from politicians and celebrities significantly increases the willingness of members of the UK public to make these high-impact low-carbon choices. In addition, leading by example greatly increases perceptions of leader credibility, trustworthiness, competence, and favourability. We find no significant effects of leading by example on people’s wider perceptions of climate change, but a strong “appetite for leadership” among the public is revealed. In light of these findings, we discuss how embodied leadership by way of visible low-carbon behaviour from leaders may provide a crucial “missing link” for climate change mitigation.
Westlake, S., Demski, C., & Pidgeon, N. (2024). Leading by example from high-status individuals: exploring a crucial missing link in climate change mitigation. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1292.
Shaping sustainable consumption: Quebec consumers’ knowledge and beliefs about the environmental impacts of food.
Abstract:
There is growing evidence that shifts in food consumption have the potential to mitigate the environmental impacts of food systems. Yet, although Canadians are increasingly concerned about climate change, changes towards more sustainable food consumption patterns are not widely observed. Understanding consumers’ perspective on these issues is crucial for bridging this gap between individual behaviors and collective concerns. This study explores the knowledge, understanding and beliefs of Quebec consumers regarding the environmental impacts of food and their potential for shaping sustainable food consumption. A representative sample of consumers (N = 978) answered an online questionnaire assessing their factual knowledge and investigating their views of food systems impacts. Results indicate low levels of knowledge and highlight widely shared beliefs regarding food systems. Consumers tended to overestimate the role of transport in food’s environmental footprint and believe that reducing transport or eating local foods are the most effective ways to improve environmental sustainability. Likewise, consumers tend to underestimate the impact of production, as well as solutions that could effectively reduce this impact. The findings reveal a need for improved literacy and awareness of the environmental impacts of food, thereby highlighting the importance of effective information and education strategies to shape sustainable food consumption habits.
Saulais, L., & Espougne, B. (2024). Shaping sustainable consumption: Quebec consumers’ knowledge and beliefs about the environmental impacts of food. Appetite.
Sustainability considerations are not influencing meat consumption in the US.
Abstract:
The consumption of animal-source foods, and particularly red meat from ruminants, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use, and loss of biodiversity. Reducing red meat consumption has been identified as a key strategy to mitigate climate change; however, little is known about how to effectively intervene to promote its reduction in the United States (US). This study aimed to examine meat (red, unprocessed, and poultry) and seafood consumption patterns, the factors influencing their consumption (including a reduction in their consumption over time), and how these differed based on socioeconomic variables. The study was conducted through an online survey with a representative sample of the US population (n = 1224) in 2021 using KnowledgePanel®. Overall, we found that most participants reported consuming red meat (78%), processed meat (74%), or poultry (79%) 1–4 times per week, with several differences in consumption patterns based on socio-demographic characteristics. A substantial proportion of the population reported reducing their red (70%) and processed meat (64%) consumption over the previous year, which was much higher than those that reported reducing poultry (34%) or seafood (26%). Key factors influencing red meat reduction were health and price, while environmental sustainability and animal welfare were less important, particularly among certain socio-demographic groups. These findings can help provide insight into how best to frame messaging campaigns aimed at shifting red meat consumption in the US to support climate change mitigation. Focusing on the factors that resonate more with consumers is more likely to lead to shifts in consumption patterns.
Downs, S. M., Merchant, E., Sackey, J., Fox, E. L., Davis, C., & Fanzo, J. (2024). Sustainability considerations are not influencing meat consumption in the US. Appetite, 107667.
The environmental benefits of vegan pet food.
Abstract:
Environmental impacts attributable to livestock production are proportionate to consumption levels. To compare the consumption of livestock animals by dogs, cats and people, the dietary energy needs of each group were calculated for the US and globally. US pet food ingredients (2020), and environmental impact data for plant- and animal-based ingredients were also analysed. A worldwide transition to nutritionally sound vegan diets within each group could end the slaughter of the following numbers of terrestrial livestock animals annually (billions): dogs – 6.0, cats – 0.9 and humans – 71.3, along with billions of aquatic animals. Land freed up would exceed the areas of: dogs – Saudi Arabia or Mexico, cats – Japan/Germany and humans – Russia (the world’s largest country), plus India. Freshwater volumes spared would exceed all renewable freshwater within: dogs – Denmark, cats – Jordan and humans – Cuba. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) eliminated would exceed all GHG emissions from: dogs – South Africa or the UK, cats – Israel or New Zealand and humans – India or the entire EU. Food energy savings could feed human populations greater than those of: dogs – the entire EU, cats – France or the UK and humans – two-thirds of the Earth’s population.
Knight, A. (2024). The environmental benefits of vegan pet food. In Regenerative farming and sustainable diets: human, animal and planetary health (pp. 92–104). Routledge.
The chicken or the egg? Spillover between private climate action and climate policy support.
Abstract:
People engage in many different activities with climate consequences, including mundane everyday activities, such as eating meals and either saving or throwing away leftovers, and collective actions, such as voting, participating in political events and in other ways expressing support for or resistance against climate-relevant policy. Does engaging in everyday climate-relevant activities have implications for support of climate policy, and vice versa, as suggested by research on pro-environmental behavioural spillover? A repeated survey was collected yearly between 2018 and 2022 from representative samples of Norwegians, most of whom participated in more than one survey. The surveys included self-reports about two everyday climate-relevant behaviours (eating red meat and discarding food waste) and the support for two types of policy to mitigate climate change (expansion of wind power and “carbon taxes” – the use of taxes or fees to regulate climate-relevant behaviour). Cross-lagged structural equation modelling of relationships between everyday climate-relevant behaviour and support for mitigation policy reveal that, as expected, all auto-regressive effects (of a latent variable on itself, measured one year apart) are highly significant. There are also significant, positive cross-lagged (i.e., spillover) effects, which are generally bigger between the two types of everyday behaviours and support for the two types of policies than between everyday behaviour and policy support. However, support for carbon taxes has a strong positive effect on reducing meat consumption. Hence, it appears that when it comes to climate actions, consumer and citizen roles are intertwined. Spillover effects are partly mediated through climate concern.
Thøgersen, J., Vatn, A., & Aasen, M. (2024). The chicken or the egg? Spillover between private climate action and climate policy support. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 99, 102434.
The ignored impact of the livestock sector on climate change: An analysis from the perspective of international law.
Abstract:
Climate change stands as the paramount challenge confronting humanity in the contemporary era. Attempting to address the problem, the main sectors responsible for it have been subject to domestic or international policies and laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, except one: livestock. Given that animal-sourced food production contributes a large portion of GHG emissions, this Article aims to analyze the impacts that the exclusion of the livestock sector, in efforts to tackle climate change, would have on compliance with international treaties on the subject, especially the Paris Agreement. One conclusion reveals that state parties, by ignoring the sector, will violate several articles of the Agreement, which will likely lead to the failure of its main purpose of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C.
Lima, M. M. C. (2024). The ignored impact of the livestock sector on climate change: An analysis from the perspective of international law. German Law Journal, 1–17.
Dietary change interventions
Adults’ Beliefs Related to Reducing Red Meat Consumption: An exploratory study in the province of Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
A significant consumption of red meat is associated with various issues (e.g. public health, sustainability, animal welfare). This exploratory study aims to identify the perceived advantages and disadvantages, perceived approval and disapproval by important others, and perceived barriers and facilitators pertaining to reducing red meat consumption among adults. An online questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to elicit the salient beliefs of 55 red meat eaters living in the province of Quebec (Canada). A content analysis performed by two independent coders revealed that the predominant themes (modal beliefs) included health, environment, saving money, food preferences, social influence, perceptions of the alternatives of meat, and efforts related to change. This study can inform the development of interventions aimed at promoting the reduction of red meat consumption.
Loiselle, A., Pitre, K., Desroches, S., Guillaumie, L., & Bélanger-Gravel, A. (2024). Adults’ Beliefs Related to Reducing Red Meat Consumption: An exploratory study in the province of Quebec, Canada. Appetite, 107679.
Are all-encompassing better than one-trait sustainable labels? Eco-score and organic labels influence on food perception and willingness to pay.
Abstract:
Front-of-Package (FOP) labels have been used to inform consumers about the nutritional quality, specific attributes, and, more recently, the sustainability impact of food products. For nutritional labels, there is evidence that all-encompassing labels providing a summary score of a product’s nutritional quality are effective in influencing consumer behavior, however less is known about the impact of sustainable labels. This research compares an all-encompassing sustainable label summarizing several sustainable product’s features into one score, to a one-trait sustainable label focusing on one sustainable attribute. Two controlled online experiments compare an all-encompassing label (i.e., Eco-Score) to a one-trait label (i.e., organic label) and test how their presence influences consumers’ willingness to pay. Study 1 (N = 290) shows that a positive all-encompassing sustainable label (Eco-Score B) does not result in a greater willingness to pay for a box of cereal when compared to no label, and to a one-trait sustainable label (organic), even though the Eco-Score incorporates the product’s organic attribute in its assessment. Study 2 (N = 577) shows that consumers were willing to pay less for a product featuring an all-encompassing positive Eco-Score label, compared to the same product with an organic label. It also tests a mechanism behind this effect related to the perceived benefits evoked by the label: while the Eco-Score is perceived as only providing environmental benefits, the organic label also provides more concrete health benefits (i.e., it is good for one’s health). Implications for public policy are discussed.
Shaikh, S., Yamim, A. P., & Werle, C. O. C. (2024). Are all-encompassing better than one-trait sustainable labels? Eco-score and organic labels influence on food perception and willingness to pay. Appetite, 107670.
Beyond information: The power of personalized nudges in promoting vegetable purchases.
Abstract:
This study explores the impact of providing general health-related information and personalized nudges aimed at modifying cognitive biases on enhancing vegetable purchases and consumption. We conducted a four-month natural field experiment and analyzed daily purchase records of 942 households using receipt scanner data. While merely explaining the loss-framed health benefits of vegetables did not significantly alter the overall vegetable purchasing habits, we observed a notable decrease in meat purchases, attributing this to the indirect effects of vegetable information. Additionally, when the status of relative vegetable purchases amount was provided based on personal purchase histories, individuals who initially purchased more vegetables demonstrated an increased buying volume. This effect was more pronounced in households with children than in those without. The nudging interventions had long-term effects beyond the experiment’s duration, possibly driven by an altruistic concern for children’s health within the household. Therefore, while nudges alone are not a complete solution, their ability to effect long-term changes in household purchasing patterns suggests that they can be a valuable addition to policy tools promoting sustainable and healthy food choices, as well as traditional mass-targeted promotion strategies.
Sasaki, H., & Ito, N. (2024). Beyond information: The power of personalized nudges in promoting vegetable purchases. Food Policy, 128, 102726.
Factors influencing intentions to transition to plant‐based protein diets: Canadian perspective.
Abstract:
There is a pressing need for healthy diets guided by environmental and nutritional targets. Plant-based proteins have emerged as a recent and rapidly growing trend in response to the challenge of sustainable and healthy food systems. While plant-based protein foods are widely promoted as sustainable alternatives, shifting beliefs and attitudes about conventional protein sources present an ongoing challenge. The study examined Canadians’ intentions to transition to plant-based protein diets, partially or entirely. A nationally representative survey was conducted among Canadian consumers to achieve our research objective. The survey was administered online using the Qualtrics platform by a market research firm and yielded valid responses from over 1800 participants. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs—attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived availability—explained only 12% of the variation in intentions toward plant-based protein foods, while sustainability and ethical concerns accounted for 10% of the variation in dietary patterns. Meat attachment negatively impacted changes in dietary patterns, explaining 11% of the intention variation. Additionally, individual past behavior accounted for 7% of intentions toward plant-based proteins. Demographic factors, such as gender and education, strongly and positively predicted purchase intentions, while contextual factors, such as residing in rural neighborhoods and being from Atlantic Canada, showed a strong negative association with intentions toward plant-based protein diets. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of individuals’ intentions toward plant-based protein diets and emphasize the significance of considering cognitive, social, emotional, and past behavioral factors, alongside sustainability values and messaging, to transition to a more plant-based protein diet. This approach should carefully balance individuals’ emotional connection and the perception of meat as essential to their meals. Also, targeting interventions based on demographic characteristics, specifically gender, education, and residential neighborhood, can enhance changes in dietary protein sources. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on consumer behavior and sustainable diets, guiding future research and policies informing the design of effective interventions to promote plant-based protein consumption and dietary changes.
Abebe, G. K., Ismail, M. R., Kevany, K., Haileslassie, H. A., Young, L., & Pauley, T. (2024). Factors influencing intentions to transition to plant‐based protein diets: Canadian perspective. Food Science & Nutrition.
In the transition towards plant-based diets. The case of Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Moldova.
Abstract:
A diet rich in plant-based foods and lower in animal foods is associated with a lower impact on the environment and increased public health. However, not all consumers are willing to reduce meat consumption. A challenge is to understand consumer attitudes towards the reduction of meat consumption and the replacement of meat with plant-based analogues. The present study aimed to investigate the attitudes toward the consumption/production of meat analogues among consumers in Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Moldova. The survey was conducted by an online questionnaire. Participants from Sweden, Lithuania and Poland were significantly more interested in eating meat analogues than participants from Ukraine and Moldova. Overall, the healthiness and tastiness of meat analogues were considered as important factors by the participants from all countries. The participants from all participating countries were mainly negative to the use of the word “meat” in the names of plant-based analogues, and suggestions for new names included the word “plant”. The results from the present study contribute to a better understanding of the barriers and drivers of the transition towards plant-based diets in Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Moldova.
Wendin, K., Olsson, V., Karkehabadi, S., Knicky, M., Korzeniowska, M., Kabasinskienè, A., Miknienė, Z., Getya, A., Matvieiev, M., Hryshchenko, N., Scripnic, E., Caisin, L., & Zamaratskaia, G. (2024). In the transition towards plant-based diets. The case of Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Moldova.
Meat substitutes in Swedish school meals: nutritional quality, ingredients, and insights from meal planners.
Abstract:
This study provides an overview of the ingredients, origin, processing level, nutritional quality and practitioners’ insights of commonly used meat substitutes in Swedish school meals. Using quantitative and qualitative data, this study evaluated 59 meat substitutes from 19 brands using Percentage Nutrient Contribution (%NC) to a Swedish school meal based on 30% of the recommended and maximum nutrient intake for teenagers and the NOVA processing framework. Meat substitutes were mince, balls, breaded, burgers, strips, or sausages. Interviews with meal planners (n = 7) revealed experiences with meat substitutes in schools. Most meat substitutes (86%) were classified as ultra-processed foods, with low contributions to saturated fat and free sugars, but high contributions to fibre and salt intakes. Limited micronutrient data suggested significant contributions of potassium, folate, and iron. Meal planners chose meat substitutes for climate reasons, familiarity, and acceptability. Meat substitutes have potential, but processing effects, bioavailability and fortification require further research.
Pettersson, J., Post, A., Elf, M., Wollmar, M., & Sjöberg, A. (2024). Meat substitutes in Swedish school meals: nutritional quality, ingredients, and insights from meal planners. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 1–13.
No need for meat as most customers do not leave canteens on Veggie Days.
Abstract:
Switching to a diet lower in red meat has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using a unique time series of daily sales data from three German university canteens from 2017 to 2019, we analyse the effects of a monthly Veggie Day in a food-away-from-home context. We find that the temporary ban on meat dishes did not lead to a widespread boycott – as the heated public debates might have suggested. In our setting, a Veggie Day could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 66%. However, especially at the site with a higher share of meat eaters on regular days, up to 22% of customers bypassed the meat-free main dishes on Veggie Days and ate at other on-site alternatives where meat was available. However, total on-site sales did not decrease significantly. Students were less likely to switch to alternatives than staff and guests. A less stringent implementation of a Veggie Day where only beef dishes were removed from the menu, did not result in a significant shift to alternatives but could reduce emissions by up to 51%.
Merk, C., Meissner, L. P., Griesoph, A., Hoffmann, S., Schmidt, U., & Rehdanz, K. (2024). No need for meat as most customers do not leave canteens on Veggie Days. Npj Climate Action, 3(1), 79.
Plant-based trends in California’s school lunches.
Abstract:
With the climate crisis growing more severe and diet-related diseases rising among many American children, California’s schools are responding by increasing their healthy, culturally diverse, climate-friendly menu offerings.
Friends of the Earth’s new report provides a 5-year snapshot comparing 2019 and 2023 school menu entrées served at the 25 largest school districts across the state. Our research found that:
- The availability of plant-based lunches increased 60%, from just 7% of menu options in 2019 to 11% in 2023.
- High schools and middle schools are leading the way, with more than half of schools (56%) offering plant-based menu options each day in 2023 compared to 36% of schools in 2019.
- Elementary schools offering weekly plant-based options increased more than threefold, from 16% of districts in 2019 to 60% in 2023.
- Plant-based vegan bowls and specialty entrees landed in the top 10 most frequently served entrees on school menus.
- Despite tremendous improvements, one-quarter of districts still do not offer plant-based entrées and another quarter only offer nut butter and jelly as a plant-based option.
- Highly processed meat items are still prevalent, representing 14% of all menu offerings.
Stewart, N., Vasicsek, R. (2024). Plant-based trends in California’s school lunches. Friends of the Earth.
Sociodemographic and behavioural determinants of vegetarian main dish selection in a French university cafeteria: A three-month observational study with repeated measures.
Abstract:
Reducing meat consumption is crucial for improving population and planetary health. Millions of students regularly eat at university cafeterias, which offer a unique opportunity to promote meat-free meals to new generations by addressing barriers such as accessibility, price, and cooking skills. This study aimed to analyse the individual characteristics associated with the frequency of choosing vegetarian main dishes in a university cafeteria and to determine whether this behaviour influenced the nutritional quality and environmental impact of student meals. A sample of 257 French students who ate regularly at a large university cafeteria took part in an observational study with repeated measures. They took pictures of their meal trays each time they ate at the cafeteria for three months. They completed an online questionnaire to assess their sociodemographic characteristics and various behavioural determinants of the choice of a vegetarian main dish based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) framework. Being a woman was the only sociodemographic characteristic significantly associated with more frequent vegetarian main dish selection. The frequency of choosing the vegetarian main dish was negatively associated with attachment to meat (β=-0.22, p<0.001) and positively associated with environmental knowledge (β=0.01, p=0.027) and the following food choice motives: animal welfare (β=0.07, p<0.001), health (β=0.06, p<0.001), ethics (β=0.06, p<0.001), natural content (β=0.05, p=0.006), religion (β=0.06, p=0.002), and mood (β=0.06, p=0.036). Students who chose vegetarian main dishes more frequently composed healthier (β=1.69, p=0.006) and more environmentally friendly meal trays (β=-0.97, p<0.001). These findings highlight the variability in the students’ propensity to choose vegetarian main dishes in a university cafeteria and its association with motivational factors in a food environment bound by design.
Arrazat, L., Teil, F., Nicklaus, S., & Marty, L. (2024). Sociodemographic and behavioural determinants of vegetarian main dish selection in a French university cafeteria: A three-month observational study with repeated measures.
When adolescents promote healthier, more sustainable family meals a decision study on meat consumption.
Abstract:
Objective: Can children’s preferences make family meals healthier and more sustainable? Extending cultural evolution theory, we tested whether and when bottom-up preference transmission from children to parents regarding meat served at family meals occurs. Methods: Fifty-seven parent–child dyads from Germany (age: Mchildren = 15.9 years, Mparents = 50.5 years; 67% daughters, 93% mothers; 14% of children and 0% of parents followed a vegetarian/vegan diet; 82% of children were still in school; 42% of parents had a bachelor’s degree or higher) decided on a family meal through discussion, which was videotaped. Before and after discussing, dyad members separately stated their preferred meat proportion for the family meal. Results: In contrast to our hypotheses, on average children neither preferred less meat nor had a stronger influence on meat proportions in family meals than their parents. Daughters—despite a considerably lower preference for meat—did not reduce meat at family meals more than sons. Rather than demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender), it was specific behaviors of children or dyads that predicted stronger influence on and eventually lower proportion of meat at family meals, namely, following a vegetarian/vegan diet, general conflicts about meat-related aspects of family meals, and—in tendency—mentioning sustainability arguments in discussions. Conclusions: Children can be drivers of change toward healthier and more sustainable family diets—which could eventually improve the family’s health—if they themselves eat accordingly and explicitly advocate for it.
Mata, J., Knobl, V., & Takezawa, M. (2024). When adolescents promote healthier, more sustainable family meals a decision study on meat consumption.
Whole food plant-based dietary education for frontline RNs.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, with myocardial infarction (MI) being a serious outcome. Plant-based diets are associated with a reduced incidence of CAD. Registered nurses (RNs) are highly trusted members of the healthcare team and are ethically responsible for providing reliable information based on scientific sources and guideline-directed recommendations. Registered nurses are optimally positioned to provide education on adopting whole foods plant-based (WFPB) diets to patients experiencing CAD inside and outside the hospital setting. It is unknown the degree to which nurses have adopted WFPB eating patterns and incorporated WFPB patient education into routine nursing care. The purpose of this study is to describe RN perceptions (susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers, self-efficacy) related to the effect of a WFPB meal pattern for prevention and management of CAD, and RN intention to apply this dietary knowledge to their own health behaviors and nursing practices.
Cuzmenco, S., Brackney, D., & Bogardus, M. (2024). Whole food plant-based dietary education for frontline RNs. International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, 6(2).
Human-animal relations
Human animal relationships in Bos indicus cattle breeds addressed from a Five Domains welfare framework.
Abstract:
The present review has two objectives, the first is to investigate the differences in temperament between Bos indicus and Bos taurus breeds and determining the effects on production due to positive treatment and to compare this with negative HAR, by using the Five Domain Model as framework. The second objective is to discuss potential strategies to achieve better HAR when working with Bos indicus cattle. Bos indicus are more reactive and temperamental than Bos taurus cattle. When human animal relationships (HAR) are evaluated, Bos indicus cattle may react with greater intensity. They may be more likely to develop a negative emotional state, especially in extensively raised Bos indicus cattle that are handled only a few times each year. Bos indicus cattle can have positive emotional states when they have frequent positive interactions with people. Interactions with people, both positive and negative, would be in the fourth Domain of the Five Domains model. Cattle that are more reactive during handling may also have lower weight gain, even when they have abundant feed. This would be in the first Domain of Nutrition. When cattle are handled in races and corrals, injuries may be more likely to occur. Injuries and bruises would be in the third Domain of Health. Injuries could be caused by either poor handling practices by people or poor handling facilities. Yelling or electric prod use would be examples of poor HAR. Second Environmental Domain issues may be broken facilities or slick, slippery floors that are associated with falls.
Mota-Rojas, D., Whittaker, A. L., Strappini, A. C., Orihuela, A., Domínguez-Oliva, A., Mora-Medina, P., Álvarez-Macías, A., Hernández-Avalos, I., Olmos-Hernández, A., Reyes-Sotelo, B., & Grandin, T. (2024). Human animal relationships in Bos indicus cattle breeds addressed from a Five Domains welfare framework. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1456120.
Implementing animal care ethics through the arts of visual thinking strategies.
Abstract:
Most humans, in particular in Western societies, have a cultural belief that they can use animals to satisfy their desire for meat and this is expressed in the most detrimental way in intensive animal farming. Even though many consumers are worried about these harmful practices, they still want to eat meat, causing them to experience cognitive dissonance, known as the meat paradox. In order to alleviate this tension they (sub)consciously apply coping strategies to fit or change their beliefs and justify their actions. Consumers find a way to down play or deny that animals are harmed trough their meat-eating behaviour. In order to keep this belief they are likely to avoid information about what happens in the meat industry. The industry is aware of this and makes sure the suffering of the animals happens behind closed doors. However, in order for consumers to be able to make an informed moral decision on their meat-eating behaviour we feel that they need to know what is going on behind these doors. According to care ethicists sympathy will give them the guidance they need in making that decision. When consumers see what these animals are going through they will sympathise because they recognize and can relate to their suffering. We will argue that the intervention method called Visual Thinking Strategies can encourage sympathy in consumers by using images as an invitation to pay attention to and reflect on the suffering of animals through dialogue. We believe this will not only challenge their current beliefs about the treatment of animals in intensive animal farming, but may also counter the coping strategies they apply in order for them to justify their meat-eating behaviour.
Rooijakkers, M., Bovenkerk, B., & Jacobs, J. (2024). Implementing animal care ethics through the arts of visual thinking strategies. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 242–247). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Institutional epistemic barriers to anti-speciesist knowledge.
Abstract:
This article explores how institutions play a pivotal role in shaping collective knowledge and ignorance concerning the human–animal relationship. It contends that institutions, by obstructing or facilitating the production and dissemination of knowledge, significantly influence societal perceptions of animals, and in turn, our treatment of them. Such epistemic processes lead to speciesist beliefs and behaviour, which I assume to be morally problematic. The discussion centres on the obstruction of collective moral knowledge related to the human–animal relationship. Specifically, my article identifies various ‘corrupting conditions’ within institutions which obstruct agents’ epistemic functioning, and thereby, contribute to collective moral ignorance and consequent speciesist moral wrongdoings, including: (1) Lack of anti-speciesist alternatives or behaviours; (2) derogation of anti-speciesist processes or behaviours; (3) valorization of speciesist processes or behaviour; (4) re-branding of undesirable epistemic processes as commendable; (5) conditions increasing the costs of anti-speciesist inquiry; (6) conditions fostering indifference about animal issues; (7) policies mandating speciesist commitments. The article discusses how these conditions influence epistemic processes in detail. Furthermore, using the production of animal products as a case study, the article illustrates how political institutions, legal institutions, search engines and media, perpetuate moral ignorance regarding animals. It argues that these institutional corrupting conditions normalize speciesism, encouraging the widespread adoption of speciesist beliefs. I conclude that it is necessary to improve institutional epistemic environments to facilitate successful animal advocacy efforts, including widespread moral knowledge about animals and voting support for animal protection policies. The article lays the groundwork for discussing the epistemic responsibilities institutions bear in shaping perceptions of the human–animal relationship.
van den Brandeler, E. L. (2024). Institutional epistemic barriers to anti-speciesist knowledge. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 167–172). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Meating of the minds: Who denies animal mind in response to the meat paradox?
Abstract:
Most people abhor animal cruelty but choose to eat meat. To resolve feelings of conflict associated with this so-called “meat paradox”, meat-eaters appear to downplay the capacity of animals to think and feel. However, the strength of animal mind denial seems likely to vary between individuals—according to one’s concern for animal welfare or enjoyment of meat, for instance. Across two pre-registered studies (S1: N = 355, S2: N = 251), we examined personality traits, attitudes, and beliefs that may predict the strength of animal mind denial in relation to the meat paradox. Results suggest that those lower in openness/intellect or emotion regulation ability, or higher in meat-commitment, deny animal mind more strongly when reminded of the link between meat eating and animal suffering. We discuss the degree to which these findings align with dissonance-based explanations for animal mind-denial in response to the meat-paradox.
Tan, N. P., Bastian, B. B., & Smillie, L. D. (2024). Meating of the minds: Who denies animal mind in response to the meat paradox? Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations, 3.
Navigating moral landscape: Islamic ethical choices and sustainability in Halal meat production and consumption.
Abstract:
This systematic review explores ethical considerations and sustainability practices within the Halal meat industry, analyzing Islamic ethical decisions, consumer behavior, and industry practices. It begins by examining the moral foundations of Halal meat production, focusing on principles of animal welfare, ethical handling, and halalan tayyiban (wholesomeness). The review highlights the role of Halal certification in ensuring good animal husbandry and maintaining Halal integrity throughout the supply chain. It then delves into the ethical practices in Halal slaughter and processing, emphasizing adherence to Shariah law, religious cleanliness, and consumer trust through transparency and traceability. The use of specific rules, cutting-edge technologies, and ethical considerations for ensuring animal welfare and ethical treatment are also discussed. The study concludes by highlighting the interplay between ethical considerations and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks for sustainable Halal meat production. The findings contribute to understanding how ethical practices, combined with sustainability, shape a responsible and conscientious Halal meat industry.
Rahman, M. M., Razimi, M. S. A., Ariffin, A. S., & Hashim, N. (2024). Navigating moral landscape: Islamic ethical choices and sustainability in Halal meat production and consumption. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), 225.
Non-human animals in corporate social responsibility? Evidence from companies in the Nordic region.
Abstract:
Corporations wield considerable influence over the lives and well-being of diverse non-human animal groups through practices like land and material utilization. Responding to burgeoning societal expectations, there is a heightened emphasis on incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into corporate actions and reporting, encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. However, the specific attention given to the lives and well-being of individual non-human animals within this framework remains relatively limited. This paper scrutinizes the quality and scope of representations of non-human animals and in sustainability reporting within the Nordic countries. These include discussions on the moral status of non-human animals, incorporating considerations of the degree of rights that animals are seen to possess as well as the system levels of such approaches. Additionally, it examines the diverse categories of animal groups under discussion. The analysis draws from annual or sustainability reports from the 30 largest corporations in the Nordic region in 2022, spanning six distinct business sectors: (1) Food Industry; (2) Natural Resources; (3) Trade and Well-being; (4) Energy and Fuels; (5) Industry and Construction; and (6) Communication and Transportation. The analysis shows how the intrinsic-level approaches are typically tied to system level framings concerning ecosystems and biodiversity, whereas welfare is discussed mostly by the Food industry in the context of farmed animals. Yet the instrumental approach is present across the sectors, where nature and non-human animals are generally seen as valuable human resources. Overall, the reports define the value of non-human animals almost completely on a system or species level instead of discussing individual animals’ interests.
Pohjolainen, P., Vinnari, M., & Vinnari, E. (2024). Non-human animals in corporate social responsibility? Evidence from companies in the Nordic region. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 173–178). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
The shame of being human: On the critical use of shame in human-animal relations.
Abstract:
Shame has many faces. On the one hand, it contributes to social cohesion and seems to be indispensable to human morality. A liability to shame is widely regarded as a virtue, while shamelessness is considered morally reprehensible and dysfunctional. On the other hand, shame has shown to be associated with (self-)destructive behaviours and various negative psychological conditions. Moreover, in enforcing norms and values, shame often exhibits a dangerous normalizing function. In this article, we want to inquire into the nature of the relation between shame and power. The aim of this article is to answer the question, whether shame can also have a different, critical relation to power. Drawing on Gilles Deleuze’s engagement with Primo Levi, we will show that shame, rather than functioning as an instrument of oppression, can take on a critical role with regard to normative infrastructures. In using ethical-human animal issues, particularly dietary norms, to prove this thesis, our article also responds to Crary and Gruen’s call for an approach to animal ethics that is more sensitive to oppressive social and political structures than traditional approaches, since our argument shows how shame can play an important role in a critical animal theory.
Kainberger, T., & Grimm, H. (2024). The shame of being human: On the critical use of shame in human-animal relations. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 228–235). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Movement research
Animal advocacy in Egypt.
Abstract:
To date, there has been a dearth of comprehensive overviews concerning the state of animal welfare in Egypt. Though lacking, this information is necessary for the global effective animal advocacy (EAA) community to grasp the local context, taking into account the political, economic, and cultural factors in Egypt that could present both challenges and opportunities for the EAA community. This report is a first step for Ethical Seafood Research toward filling this knowledge gap, whereby we present a consolidated overview of our findings on the Egyptian animal advocacy landscape, opportunities and challenges, focus areas for future effective action, and important questions for further exploration. Our report is based on insights gathered from desk-based research, supplemented by interviews (phone-based and written) with stakeholders in Egypt’s animal advocacy landscape. We hope this report will be a valuable resource for groups seeking to conduct high-impact animal advocacy in Egypt, particularly international organisations that may not have a nuanced understanding of the local context.
Ethical Seafood Research. (2024). Animal advocacy in Egypt. Ethical Seafood Research.
Faunalytics Index – September 2024.
Abstract:
This month’s Faunalytics Index provides facts and stats about air quality and animal agriculture, compensation in animal advocacy, voting to end CAFOs, and more.
orzechowski, karol. (2024). Faunalytics Index – September 2024. Faunalytics.
Politics, law, and social change
Closing the gap (2): A decision-making council for animal welfare.
Abstract:
This paper provides a concrete suggestion on how to address the gap pointed to by Andersen and Gjerris (2022) between, on the one hand, the wording of animal legislation in the EU and its member states and, on the other hand, administrative regulation and actual husbandry practices. Andersen and Gjerris suggested that to alleviate this gap, states should establish independent national councils empowered to make binding decisions on animal welfare matters that fall outside the scope of clear-cut legislation. An important aspect of this task would be to ensure better accordance between the application of the law, the intent behind the law and current societal and ethical values. In this paper, we narrow down
the type of questions that would be suitable for such a council to address and compare its role with existing mechanisms with comparable functions. Furthermore, we seek to identify methodologies that the council could rely on, including the involvement of experts and citizen groups.
Andersen, S. S., Gjerris, M., Goddiksen, M. P., Kondrup, S. V., & Mikkelsen, R. B. (2024). Closing the gap (2): A decision-making council for animal welfare. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 187–192). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
A Review of Policy Levers to Reduce Meat Production and Consumption.
Abstract:
It is increasingly apparent that we require a substantial reduction in animal production and consumption for the sake of the environment and public health. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review to explore the policy levers available for governments to reduce animal farming and the consumption of meat. The policy levers generated by the review are categorised by four main types of interventions: Financial measures, Command- and-control, Informational, and Behavioural. First, we explore four financial measures: taxes on meat is the most-studied intervention, and the least publicly accepted in polling, sometimes being implemented indirectly via measures such as carbon taxes or rescinding VAT exemptions; subsidies for animal product alternatives are considered as a more publicly acceptable alternative approach, and would reduce long-term demand for meat by making alternatives more competitive; agricultural carbon trading schemes are discussed, and may represent a politically feasible way to hold livestock producers accountable for negative externalities; and buyouts of animal farms can be an impactful way to compensate producers to leave the industry, but must be done with care to avoid unintended social and market consequences. Second, we explore two command-and-control measures: regulating animal production with standards such as animal welfare requirements and health and safety rights for agricultural workers is amongst the most well-supported policies, and is an impactful way to ensure minimum standards of production are met; however, restrictions on animal consumption, such as meat–free days in public catering, are less publicly accepted. Third, we discuss three informational measures: food product labels, such as animal welfare or environmental impact labels, fulfil consumers’ expectations to have this information, and although there is limited evidence that they impact consumer behaviour directly, such labels may nonetheless incentivise producers to competitively improve; likewise, national dietary guidelines appear to have little direct impact on food choices, but can impact other institutions such as schools and medical institutions; policies on information campaigns can help or hurt meat reduction efforts, with some jurisdictions prohibiting meat advertisements, while others spend millions on campaigns to promote meat consumption. Fourth, we explore a range of behavioural measures which could be implemented in public catering settings and/or incentivised in food service, including presentation and positioning of meat- and plant-based dishes, and altering the food options on offer – we find that adding more high-quality plant-based options to menus and presenting these options as the default wherever the format allows are highly impactful and tractable behavioural policies that could reduce meat consumption. Informational and behavioural measures can complement traditional fiscal and command-and-control measures to reduce animal production and consumption. We discuss the implications for researchers and policymakers.
Bryant, C., Couture, A., Ross, E., Clark, A., & Chapman, T. (2024). A Review of Policy Levers to Reduce Meat Production and Consumption. Appetite, 107684.
An analysis of state enforcement of farmed animal welfare laws.
Abstract:
Progress on animal welfare laws are hard fought and hard won by animal advocates. This guest blog from the Animal Welfare Institute outlines the perpetual problem that comes after victory: enforcement.
Craig, A. (2024). An analysis of state enforcement of farmed animal welfare laws. Faunalytics.
Bridging U.S. conservative values and animal protection.
Abstract:
To maximize our impact, animal advocates in the U.S. need strategies for working with politicians and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. This Faunalytics study helps us understand how to leverage conservative values to help animals.
Arévalo, C, Ólafsson, B., (2024). Bridging U.S. conservative values and animal protection. Faunalytics.
How to achieve national plant-based policies | The case of Denmark.
Abstract:
It all started in 2016, when one of our board members, Jeffrey, suggested we should start doing policy work. I am still deeply grateful to Jeffrey for initiating this. I am quite sure he didn’t anticipate that this would eventually lead to political influence beyond what we could imagine at that time. Denmark being seen as a global champion for plant‑based transition having launched. Including an internationally groundbreaking action plan for plant‑based foods and a fund for plant‑based foods with around 100 million Euros; and with these actions Denmark suddenly being seen as a global champion for the plant‑based transition. On the surface, it would indeed appear that Denmark is an unlikely place for this to happen. After all, Denmark has the largest animal production per capita in the world and is famous for exporting bacon and butter, whilst also having a high level of domestic consumption of animal products. And the lobby of the pork and dairy industries is notoriously strong. But this means that the case of Denmark gives hope to the rest of the world. Because if a transition can happen in Denmark, it can happen anywhere.
In this chapter, I will focus on some key principles in our policy work, and some concrete strategical collaborations that were crucial in the process leading to the major plant‑based policy initiatives by the Danish Government. I will also reflect on two key issues, which I believe are crucial to ensure ambitious political action.
Dragsdahl, R. (2024). How to achieve national plant-based policies | The case of Denmark.
Is there an animal food Kuznets curve, and does it matter?
Abstract:
Proteins from animal sources, including meat, and plant-based foods are essential for a healthy human diet. However, animal-based proteins have significantly higher environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage) and health risks (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney stones and cardiovascular diseases) compared to plant-based proteins. The consumption patterns of these proteins are strongly influenced by income levels. This study introduces the concept of an Animal Food Kuznets Curve by systematically analyzing the relationship between income and animal-based protein consumption. Utilizing a novel panel dataset spanning 28 years and covering 79 countries, we uncover an inverted U-shaped relationship between income and the consumption of animal-based and meat proteins. Our findings indicate that the turning points occur around 43,000-45,000 US$, corresponding to the 90th and 95th percentiles of the per capita income distribution in the sample. At these income levels, protein consumption is estimated at approximately 25 g/day for meat and 52 g/day for animal-based proteins, as compared to recommended total protein intake of 45-56 g/day. These insights highlight the critical need for targeted policy interventions, such as taxes, nudges, and informational campaigns to promote sustainable dietary choices across all income levels. Our study provides empirical evidence for the importance of integrating economic and environmental policies to enhance global food sustainability.
Frontuto, V., Felici, T., Andreoli, V., Corsi, A., & Bagliani, M. M. (2024). Is there an animal food Kuznets curve, and does it matter? Bio-Based and Applied Economics.
Putting sentience into food policy.
Abstract:
N/a
Dimbleby, H. (2024). Putting sentience into food policy. In Regenerative farming and sustainable diets: human, animal and planetary health (pp. 215–220). Routledge.
Simply the best? How the ranking argument prevents improvements in animal welfare law in the EU.
Abstract:
It is often said that the European Union (EU) and its member states, along with Switzerland, have some of the strictest animal welfare regulations in the world. As we have shown elsewhere, such statements can lead to a type of fallacious argument we call the ‘ranking argument’ which runs as follows: Our animal welfare law ranks among the strictest in the world, therefore no improvements are called for. EU member states also have an additional strategic rhetoric at their disposal when using the ranking argument: Not only do they conclude that no improvements are called for at the top of the ranking, but they also claim that improvements would be counterproductive to the overriding goal of ‘levelling’ the bottom of the ranking to reach homogeneity within the EU. In this paper, we analyse how the ranking argument unfolds in the EU context focusing on examples from France. We explain why the ranking argument is a fallacy and how it makes use of competitive terminology to argue against animal welfare improvements. We then present how homogeneity is invoked to present improvements as counterproductive in the EU context. By doing so, we discuss how these arguments serve as a strategic defence of the status quo on animal welfare regulation. We conclude with some thoughts on how the ranking argument can and should be challenged.
Rodriguez Perez, C., Müller, N. D., Persson, K., & Shaw, D. M. (2024). Simply the best? How the ranking argument prevents improvements in animal welfare law in the EU. In M. Giersberg, F. Meijboom, & B. Bovenkerk (Eds.), EurSafe2024 Proceedings: Back to the future – Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption (pp. 179–186). Brill | Wageningen Academic.
Veg*ns and advocates
Purity and pollution: faith vegans’ categorizations of plant-based foods as pure and animal-derived foods as polluting.
Abstract:
Veganism has increased exponentially in the UK in recent years and whilst studies have attended to the redefinition of edibility and the adoption of new relationships with foodstuffs, one area that is noticeably absent from academic scholarship is the intersection with religion. Considering the influence that religion has on understandings of edibility, permissibility, and consumption, research gaps emerge pertaining to how religion and veganism come together to reshape the perceptions and categorizations of food types by vegans of faith. This article draws on a sociological study which recruited 12 Muslim vegans, 12 Jewish vegans, and 12 Christian vegans in the UK and conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews, diary methods, and virtual participant observation to gain a holistic understanding of the faith vegan experience. This article’s main finding is a dichotomous categorization of food types by faith vegans, with plant-based foods being seen as pure and animal-derived products being seen as polluting and inedible. Further, these understandings are intertwined with religious ethics, principles, and teachings in order to construct veganism as both God’s ideal diet and correct religious observance, whilst animal consumption is constructed as human greed, weakness, and a violation of what is perceived to be the ethical spirit of religion.
Atayee-Bennett, E. (2024). Purity and pollution: faith vegans’ categorizations of plant-based foods as pure and animal-derived foods as polluting. Food, Culture & Society, 1–18.
Vegetarians’ and vegans’ experiences with and attitudes towards ultra-processed foods (UPF): a qualitative study.
Abstract:
Background: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is increasing in many countries. Simultaneously, there is a growing number of consumers that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, many due to its possible positive impact on sustainability and food waste. However, little is known about attitudes towards and experiences with UPF among vegetarians and vegans. Thus, this study investigates vegetarians’ and vegans’ experiences with and attitudes towards UPFs.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews with 14 participants between September and December 2021. The participants were from different areas in Norway. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.
Results: In general, participants appeared to have diverse knowledge of and divergent attitudes towards UPFs. However, participants mainly associated substitute products (e.g. meat substitutes, dairy substitutes) as UPFs. They appreciated the increased availability of vegetarian and vegan UPF which made it easier for them to follow a plant-based diet. They enjoyed the taste and consistency of vegetarian and vegan UPF. However, participants expressed concerns about the effects that industrial processing has on the products’ nutritional content.
Conclusion: This study indicated that there was a diverse knowledge of and various attitudes towards UPFs among the participating vegetarians and vegans. Public information and guidelines about using UPF (e.g. meat substitutes, dairy substitutes) in vegetarian and vegan diets are needed, as well as information about their possible impact on health and sustainability.
Haneberg, J., Molin, M., Gjeitung Byfuglien, M., & Garnweidner-Holme, L. (2024). Vegetarians’ and vegans’ experiences with and attitudes towards ultra-processed foods (UPF): a qualitative study. BMC Nutrition, 10(1), 121.
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”
September 2024
by Erika Alonso - 1 minute read