How meat companies make meat seem safe and green
Meat, money and messaging: How the environmental and health harms of red and processed meat consumption are framed by the meat industry.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The meat industry uses the exact same framing tactics as Big Tobacco and Big Oil.
Most people don’t think of meat companies as manipulative as tobacco firms, but the language—‘the science isn’t settled’—is nearly identical.
Practical Takeaways
Be skeptical when food industry groups say ‘the science is unclear’ about health risks.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The meat industry uses the exact same framing tactics as Big Tobacco and Big Oil.
Most people don’t think of meat companies as manipulative as tobacco firms, but the language—‘the science isn’t settled’—is nearly identical.
Practical Takeaways
Be skeptical when food industry groups say ‘the science is unclear’ about health risks.
Publication
Journal
Food policy
Year
2022
Authors
Kathryn Clare, N. Maani, J. Milner
Related Content
Claims (5)
The UK meat industry says most people don’t need to eat less red or processed meat because, on average, we’re already within safe limits — only heavy eaters are at risk, so big changes for everyone aren’t needed.
The UK meat industry says the science on red and processed meat causing cancer isn't clear, to make people worry less and stop strict rules on eating meat.
The UK meat industry says you need red and processed meat to stay healthy because it has important nutrients, and warns that eating less meat could leave women and kids missing key vitamins and minerals.
The UK meat industry says we don’t need to eat less meat to help the planet—instead, they believe better farming practices and natural carbon storage in grasslands are enough to fight climate change.
The UK meat industry uses the same PR tricks as big tobacco and oil companies—like saying the science isn't clear or that it's your choice—to avoid government rules that might hurt their profits.