Quality Meat Scotland responds to EAT-Lancet Commission healthy dietary target on red meat reduction

Quality Meat Scotland responds to EAT-Lancet Commission healthy dietary target on red meat reduction

Blanket messaging to cut back red meat is not appropriate for Scotland and risks worsening our already poor diet by limiting vital nutrient intake.

Quality Meat Scotland Chair, Kate Rowell, said:

“Whilst Quality Meat Scotland considers the detail of the Commission’s report and the role we play in achieving shared aims for a sustainable and healthy food system, we are clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to diet does not work.

“The Commission’s theoretical diet slashes daily red meat intake to just 20% (14g) of the current UK NHS guideline (70g) and has not been tested in clinical trials, meaning we know nothing about the bioavailability of its nutrients.

“Red meat is a powerful contributor to our health, rich in nutrients such as iron and selenium for immune function, B vitamins for energy, zinc for children’s growth, and vitamin D for bone density. Meat avoidance in adults carries health risks including low nutrient intakes, deficiencies, and the reliance on poor-quality replacements and daily supplementation.

“Scotland does not consume excessive amounts of red meat – in fact, many average intakes are already below the guideline (66g). Recent modelling by Food Standards Scotland with the University of Edinburgh (2024) stressed that blanket public health messaging to cut meat consumption would disproportionately reduce the nutrient intake of women and girls, many of whom already struggle to meet dietary recommendations.”

QMS will provide a more detailed response to the Commission’s 76-page report in due course.