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Consumer reactions, popular fancies, and scientific facts related to the healthfulness of meat products

Center for Consumer Research, University of California, Davis 95616-8598

^1. Correspondence: phone: 530-752-2774; fax: 530-752-3975; E-mail: cmbruhn{at}ucdavis.edu.

Abstract

This article is an overview of consumer attitudes toward the healthfulness of meat products. Although food choice is made based on the pleasure of eating, health is also an important factor. Despite advice that all foods can fit into a healthful diet, many people believe that some foods are good and others bad. Although meat offers important nutrients, about one-third of consumers say they are eating less meat to make their diet more healthful. Special interest groups claim that people consume an unhealthily excessive amount of meat; however, Americans on average consume 135 g of meat and meat alternatives, less than the 142 to 198 g per day recommended by the USDA food pyramid. Issues other than taste and nutrition can affect consumers' acceptance of meat products. Concern about the use of antibiotics and hormones has decreased in recent years, but it could be ignited by concern about antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. New information on the healthfulness of animal products could change public perception, especially if the beneficial attributes are perceived as natural and health claims are not exaggerated.