24 pages, Governments worldwide are exploring policies aimed at promoting healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. This study examines the public acceptability of two promising yet controversial policy interventions: the introduction of a meat tax and the removal of meat subsidies. Drawing on existing literature about the impact of policies on food consumption, particularly meat, we analyse data from a multi-country survey conducted across five European countries. We employ ordered logistic models and latent cluster analysis to examine factors influencing respondents’ support for these policies. Our findings highlight the role of value-based, diet-related, and socio-demographic factors. Notably, respondents from Spain, Portugal, and the UK showed significantly greater support for these meat policies compared to Latvians and Czechs. Age emerged as a key factor, indicating an increasing likelihood of support for both policies among younger individuals. Moreover, environmental and egoistic values were associated with increased odds of support, while security concerns and hedonic values had the opposite effect. Neither income nor employment emerged as significant predictors. Our study underscores the complexity of public opinions towards meat policies and provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to design effective strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable dietary behaviours in Europe.
Guiné, Raquel P. F. (author), Florença, Sofia G. (author), Bréjon, Marius (author), Gonçalves, João Carlos (author), Barroca, Maria João (author), Ferreira, Manuela (author), and Fragata, Anabela (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2025-03-04
Published:
Germany: De Gruyte
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 211 Document Number: D13652
15 pages, Humans have been consuming milk obtained from domesticated animals since ancient times. Milk is a very complete food with important nutrients that can support life. However, the patterns of consumption of milk have been shifting. On one hand, due to the increase in the number of people with intolerances (to lactose, for example), and on the other hand, due to some trend to avoid foods from animal origin owing to specific conviction (like animal welfare, for example). In this context, this study focused on the milk consumption patterns in two different European Countries and the evaluation of possible differences. The object of study was milk obtained from animal sources, namely, cows, and no other derived fermented dairy products were included. For the development of the study, a questionnaire survey was applied to a sample of 542 participants from both countries using the Internet. The results showed that a high percentage of participants in both countries consume milk regularly, and the usual amount varies between 125 and 250 mL per day. For those who do not consume milk, the most relevant reason pointed out in both countries was because they do not feel the need to consume it. While in France, a high percentage also do not consume because they do not like milk, and in Portugal, a high percentage do not consume milk due to lactose intolerance. The most consumed is semi-skimmed milk, and preferences are towards consuming plain milk or consuming it with chocolate. Significant differences were found in the consumption of white brands, which are preferred in France, while in Portugal, consumers prefer commercial brands, as well as the preferred package, tetra packs for the Portuguese, while the French prefer plastic bottles. In conclusion, although the results showed some similar trends among the participants from both countries, some differences were also identified that can be used to better plan public policies in both countries.
