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.