Researchers at Oxford University have put forward the idea that red meat should be taxed to reduce the ‘cost burden’ on the NHS, turning some of our most wholesome food into a luxury product available only to the wealthy.

The study by the Oxford Martin School and the Nuffield Department of Population Health, cites a highly controversial World Health Organisation report which says there may be a link between beef, lamb and pork and the risk of disease.

The report’s main author, vegan Marco Springmann, claims that stroke, diabetes and cancer may all be linked to red meat. However, sketchy and numerous studies have failed to find any definitive links between the consumption of red meat and previous studies have shown that the rate of cancers, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer, are similar in both meat eaters and vegetarians.

We also know, thanks to the Meat Advisory Panel, that average red meat consumption is now ‘well below’ guidelines produced by the NHS.

We at the FUW believe that a varied diet is part of disease prevention, and that other factors such as smoking, body weight and drinking levels should also be taken into account. Studies which focus on one dietary aspect, without recognising the compounding effects of all lifestyle factors on overall health and wellbeing, are flawed and can be sensationalist.

We believe the benefits of red meat, such as the provision of protein for building muscle and bone and as a source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential for the nervous system, blood cells and the immune system are an important component in a balanced diet. These benefits must be considered when planning future policies on health and wellbeing.

And we believe that there is, therefore, no evidence to support a red meat tax on the grounds of changing consumption patterns which would only serve to increase prices and reduce the ability of poorer families to afford a healthy, natural, home-grown product. Everyone should have the opportunity to eat some of the best beef and lamb in the world.

  • Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) backed out of sponsoring the EAT-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet and Health due to its promotion of the ‘Planetary Health Diet’ which calls for a drastic reduction in meat consumption on a global scale. Concerns relating to the impact of diet on health and livelihoods caused the WHO to withdraw its endorsement.