18 January 2019 | MEDIA RELEASE

SAFE is calling the meat industry’s bluff on recent research, and misleading and exaggerated claims of health benefits associated with eating meat.

Following a recent trend in the meat industry to commission science that makes their sector look good, AgResearch in partnership with beef producer Firstlight Foods are investigating whether certain kinds of red meat can protect against heart disease. This is despite The World Health Organisation and Bowel Cancer New Zealand recommending a reduction in animal-sourced foods.

SAFE Eat Kind Coordinator Krysta Neve says the meat industry is scrambling to protect their profits in face of the rise in popularity of plant-based foods.

“These are exactly the same tactics the tobacco industry used to protect their industry. The meat industry is putting financial wealth ahead of peoples health,” says Krysta.

“According to the Ministry of Health, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, and The World Health Organisation makes it clear that consuming red meat is linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses.”

International trends show that Governments around the world are passing food guidelines and legislation to be in line with that of the World Health Organisation recommendations to adopt healthier plant-based alternatives over animal-sourced foods.

“The rise of plant-based proteins now means it’s never been easier for consumers to make compassionate choices for animals, the planet and their own health. Those alternatives come with competition for shelf space in supermarket aisles, and the meat industry is fighting to stay relevant,” adds Krysta.

“We recommend caring Kiwis to follow the advice of the World Health Organisation and adopt a diet rich in plant-based foods. SAFE’s Eat Kind programme has a wealth of tips, recipes and advice for people wanting to adopt more plant-based foods in their diet.”

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