Austria reaches Fleischlimit before the middle of the year - alarm level red!

Austria reaches Fleischlimit before the middle of the year - alarm level red!

Österreich, Land - On April 10, 2025, people in Austria have already consumed the recommended annual amount of meat. This information was published by 5min.at and shows that the average meat consumption in Austria is currently 57.6 kilograms per capita. In comparison, Germany consumes almost 52 kilograms and Switzerland consumes about 46 kilograms of meat per head and year. The "Meat Ex Highlight Day" was thus achieved in April, which further increases concern about the high meat consumption in Austria.

The EAT-Lancet Commission has recommended a maximum annual consumption of only 15.7 kilograms of meat. The current meat consumption in Austria has decreased slightly since 2022 (58.6 kilograms), but this reduction is not sufficient for the current rate in order to achieve the recommended amount. With this rate, the goal would be realized in the earliest in 88 years, i.e. in 2113.

causes and trends

Investigations show that health considerations and environmental awareness are decisive factors that motivate many people to reduce their meat consumption. Orf reports that these trends can be observed in different age groups and social classes. A growing interest in plant -based nutrition and alternative protein sources also becomes clear. This could have an impact on the food industry in the long term, since a steady decline in demand for meat is recorded.

A significant obstacle to reduce meat consumption is the marketing strategy in supermarkets. Discounts on meat products are not only widespread, but also appealing for consumers. Since 2005, the proportion of action in the supermarkets has doubled, which apparently contributes to the fact that almost 50 percent of the meat sold is bought discounted.

ecological and ethical questions

Austria is one of the countries with a strongly pronounced meat consumption, as well as DiW . Every year, over 106 million animals are slaughtered in the country for human consumption. Despite the alarming numbers, the NGO calls four paws to stop the discount campaigns immediately and a transparent labeling of animal foods by way of keeping and origin.

The high level of meat consumption not only brings with it health, but also economic and ecological questions. In international comparison, Austria with its meat consumption is well above the global average of 33.8 kilograms per capita. This trend is not only a health challenge, but also a question of animal welfare and environmental compatibility.