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There are several popular arguments for reducing meat consumption and selecting alternative protein sources in the modern diet. The first of these is based on a body of research indicating adverse health consequences arising from excessive meat consumption. The second category encompasses all of the philosophical beliefs and convictions in favour of vegetarianism and the promotion of animal welfare. The third argument in favour of reduced meat consumption is based on the environmental impacts of intensive livestock production. The majority of individuals in developed countries consume greater quantities of animal based protein than currently recommended by the World Health Organisation. This is clearly evident from the average daily intake for...

A brief column published in The Independent last month has captured my attention. Philip Hensher sums up the lack of any respect afforded to food items which can now be purchased for such minimal expense and effort. He uses the example of a supermarket chicken which is purchased for about quarter the price that would be required for any producer to ensure good quality. Assuming the reasonably common scenario of a single person household, the chicken gets roasted and one portion of thigh and breast is eaten. The following day the consumer is faced with the cold chicken carcass and a decision. Fashion the remainder into another meal or discard it completely and start fresh with another incredibly cheap purchase from the local supermarket? We’ve...

Nearly all the milk, dairy products and pork in UK supermarkets are being produced from animals fed on GM crops, and none of this is labelled, according to a Soil Association investigation. Tests of animal feed and a survey of company policies have revealed that all the supermarkets are widely allowing the use of GM feed. The report found that around 60% of the maize and 30% of the soya fed to dairy cattle and pigs is GM. Most consumers are unwittingly eating food produced from GM crops everyday. Supermarkets have been trumpeting their non-GM food policies, having removed all of their own-label foods made directly with GM ingredients by October 2002 in response to consumer concerns. However, unknown to most of the public supermarkets did not...