Researchers call for meat tax to save hundreds of thousands of lives

Study showed: Meat tax can prevent countless deaths

In higher income countries, red meat products should be taxed, making the meat 20 percent more expensive. Processed meat products such as bacon, sausages and dried meat should even be more than twice as expensive. This is suggested by English researchers who show in a study how massive price increases in the meat market bring about general health-promoting benefits in the population and contribute to climate protection.

A research team from renowned Oxford University has shown that a meat tax in higher-income countries can prevent about 220,000 deaths per year. The team suggests making unprocessed beef, lamb and pork more expensive by 20 percent more expensive and processed meat, such as bacon, sausage and charcuterie, for the health benefits. The study results were recently published in the journal "Plos one".

Can a meat tax motivate people to eat healthier and, moreover, contribute to climate protection? Oxford University researchers say yes! (Image: MIGUEL GARCIA SAAVED / fotolia.com)

The health hazards of meat

The World Health Organization WHO classifies beef, lamb and pork in the unprocessed state as likely to cause cancer. When processed, the carcinogenic factor is considered assured. In addition, these three types of meat are associated with an increased risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease such as coronary heart disease. Oxford University estimates that by 2020, 2.4 million people will die as a result of eating meat. In addition, $ 285 million would be needed annually to treat the health consequences of meat consumption.

We eat too much meat

"Consumption of red and processed meat is well above recommended levels in most high and middle-income countries," study director Dr. Marco Springmann in a press release to the investigation. This not only affects personal health but also health systems, the economy and the environment.

Alcohol and tobacco tax as a model

The researchers point out that taxes on health-endangering goods such as alcohol and tobacco have already achieved success. An increased price can encourage consumers to make healthier purchasing decisions. According to Oxford University calculations, meat consumption would decrease by an average of 16 percent as a result of the introduction of tax. In addition, the tax could cover about 70 percent of the health costs of meat consumption.

Scientists are in favor of the meat tax

"I hope governments will introduce a health tax on red and processed meats to help consumers make healthy and sustainable choices," Dr. Spring man. This sends a strong message to consumers and health hazards stemming from the consumption of certain types of meat. In addition, the tax could help to reduce the ever increasing obesity and obesity in the population, as consumers are encouraged to switch to low-calorie or low-fat diet.

The climate also benefits

Another positive effect of the meat tax is the impact on climate change. According to the researchers, a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions are produced in cattle breeding. A reduction in beef consumption through the taxation of meat could reduce the greenhouse gases produced by over one hundred million tonnes.

No one likes to be dictated to what's on the plate

The researchers are aware that such a tax would not be well received by all consumers. "Nobody wants governments to tell people what they can and can not eat," says Springmann. Nevertheless, the results are clear that the current meat consumption harms not only the individual, but also the health systems, the economy and the entire earth. (Vb)