Horsemeat Scandal Prompts UK Consumers to Eat Less Meat

Horsemeat discovered in various beef products

While factory farmers, food manufacturers and retailers play the blame game in Europe over the discovery of horse DNA in various beef products, a significant number of British consumers are responding by not just avoiding the possibly tainted beef, but eating less meat overall.

According to a poll released Monday by Consumer Intelligence, one-fifth of adults in Britain are buying less meat as a result of this horsemeat scandal, and six percent of those polled knew someone who had become vegetarian in response to the scandal.

Another poll by ComRes reinforces these results. Their poll showed that seven percent of respondents had completely stopped eating meat following the scandal.

The detection of horse DNA in beef products is an alarming reminder of the lack of transparency in our food production system. It also elevates a sense of distrust in the food industry, and has many consumers questioning what happens behind the closed doors of factory farms and slaughterhouses.

One of the most candid ways we can currently get a glimpse inside animal agribusiness operations, which prefer to remain hidden from public view, is through videos filmed during undercover investigations. In the U.S., undercover investigators have revealed practices so cruel and shocking that some footage has led to meat recalls, slaughter plant shutdowns and criminal prosecutions.

Former Animal Outlook intern and undercover investigator Cody Carlson recently discussed his experience as an undercover investigator. Watch the segment below, and then take a stand against animal abuse by choosing meat-, egg- and dairy-free foods.  The most effective way we can express our compassion for all animals is by leaving them off our plates. Get started with these delicious vegan recipes.