People are used to seeing stark warnings on tobacco products alerting them about the potentially deadly risks to health. Now a study suggests similar labelling on food could help them make wiser choices about not just their health, but the health of the planet.

The research, by academics at Durham University, found that warning labels including a graphic image – similar to those warning of impotence, heart disease or lung cancer on cigarette packets – could reduce selections of meals containing meat by 7-10%.

It is a change that could have a material impact on the future of the planet. According to a recent YouGov poll, 72% of the UK population classify themselves as meat-eaters. But the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the government on its net zero goals, has said the UK needs to slash its meat consumption by 20% by 2030, and 50% by 2050, in order to meet them.

  • deegeese@sopuli.xyz
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    11 months ago

    I would love to know where you’re finding all that delicious grass fed beef, because here in America it’s almost all corn-fed.

    • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      11 months ago

      your beef isn’t corn-fed. it’s grass-fed, grain-finished. they don’t label it grass fed unless it’s NOT grain-finished.

      • deegeese@sopuli.xyz
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        11 months ago

        But “finishing” is most of the weight gain of the animal and all the flavor.

        It’s like arguing all cows are milk-fed because they were calves once.

        • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          11 months ago

          It’s like arguing all cows are milk-fed because they were calves once.

          i’m not arguing all cows fit the definition of “grass fed”. i’m saying most cows mostly eat grass.

        • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          11 months ago

          But “finishing” is most of the weight gain of the animal and all the flavor.

          no, it’s not. its about 4-6 months of an 18-20 month lifespan. most of their growing is done when they get to the feed lot.

          edit: