Call by researchers: Introduce a tax on red meat – in the world

By 2020, 2.4 million deaths will be linked to the consumption of red and processed meat. One of the researchers at Oxford University is behind the study, which presents a new conclusion: a tax on red and processed meat must be introduced – worldwide.

Two researchers at Oxford University in Britain have now come to the conclusion that meat consumption is too much and needs to be regulated, writes CNBC. According to them, this would have a number of negative effects and they had the intention to find a solution.

Marco Springmann, who led the study, is convinced that the overconsumption of meat has had a negative impact on the finances of many countries. The solution they may encounter is a general tax.

"I hope that governments plan to introduce a health tax on red and processed meat as part of measures to facilitate healthy and sustainable consumer decisions," he said. in a press release announced Wednesday.

In order to obtain an optimal tax rate on red meat and processed in 150 countries and regions, they found that the price of red meat should increase by 20% and that the price of processed meat should double in the countries high income.

It sounds expensive, but according to researchers, countries would save money – billions of dollars. According to them, meat will kill 2.4 billion people in 2020. This means high medical costs when a general tax can fund 70% of that health care.

"Excessive excessive reaction"

However, researchers are not incomparable. Carrie Ruxton, a well-known dietician, writes to the paper that this would be a setback for "equal health". In addition, she believes there is no high quality research showing links to diseases.

"The risk of gastrointestinal cancer occurs when the weekly intake exceeds 700 grams." Few people consume so much meat and it would be like striking a hammer to crack a nut, "she writes.

Chris Mallon, CEO of the UK National Beef Association, calls the conclusion of the study an "overreaction".

"Our results clearly show"

However, researchers are studying, even though they see it problematic with a meat tax.

"Nobody wants governments to tell people what they are allowed or not to eat, but our results clearly show that the consumption of red and processed meat has a price, not only for human health and for our planet, but also for our health care and our finances, "said Springmann.

November 8, 2018 8:07 p.m.