by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
In Germany trust in the meat suppliers and meat supply has reached rock bottom among consumers. Those who earn well and have been to university are those who today eat less in the way of meat and meat products. One of the reasons for meat abstinence among the upper classes are the many scandals surrounding meat. But the producers also have an image problem for other reasons.
According to a national study in Germany the consumption of meat reduces the higher the level of education and income. Those with a high disposable income and those who have degrees eat the lowest amount of meat while among the lower classes eat more cutlets and sausages.
This change in attitudes to eating meat among those at the higher social spectrum are not just the amount of scandals as regards to meant and its safety but also the lackadaisical way in which the authorities deal with such incidents.
This trend can also be observed in other countries where people, especially again those who are somewhat better – or very well – educated change their eating habits to almost vegetarian, vegetarian or even vegan. A leading and growing trend is that of the Meatless Monday, where one day a week is meet-free and that of the Weekday Vegetarian, where meat is only for the weekend, Sundays or special occasions.
Among the lower and working classes, however, as far and especially as the UK is concerned, the word is still: “I have to have my meat” and that best, as far as many here are concerned, several times a day.
Changes are on their way, however, as may are losing trust in the meat industry and even butchers no longer, in the UK especially, actually ever see what animal the meat that they sell comes from and thus cannot guarantee the consumer the source or the animal actually.
While we may not know how our vegetables are grown, unless we can afford organic and even then, if it looks like a carrot or a potato it, more than likely is going to be a carrot or a potato and not a radish or an onion.
© 2013
