Photo Shutterstock Too much red and processed meat can cause illnesses. What would meat cost if the medical expenses were included in the consumer price? A lot, says a study conducted by WUR economists. The calculations were made at the behest of the Vegetarians’ Association and TAPP Coalition (True Animal Protein Price).
Some 8000 Dutch citizens die each year as a result of the consumption of red meat. The medical expenses incurred as a result of this meat consumption amount to 1.1 billion euros. Expenses that are collectively paid through our health insurance. But change is possible. What if these expenses were included in the price of meat? The calculation was made by a team led by economist Willy Baltussen (Wageningen Economic Research).
Excessive
The calculation included colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disorders, strokes, breast cancer and diabetes. Excessive meat consumption results in 253,000 diabetes patients, 100,000 incidents of colorectal cancer and 20,000 patients with cardiovascular issues per annum. For the purpose of this study, excessive consumption of red meat occurs at 6 kilogrammes per year. No safe lower threshold applies for the consumption of processed meat.
Consumer organisation True Price supplied the method with which the health expenses per kilogramme of meat could be calculated. Beef should cost 7.50 euros more, increasing the price per kilo to almost 25 euros. Processed meats, such as sausage, salami and pâté, should cost 4.30 euros extra, bringing the price up to almost 13 euros per kilo. The researchers say these are conservative numbers.
Environmental cost
Previously, clients commissioned a study into the environmental costs of meat consumption from CE Delft. This showed that the price of beef and processed meat should increase by 5.70 euros. If both the medical expenses and environmental costs were included in the price of meat, the price of a kilo of beef would increase by two thirds, to just under 29 euros. The price of processed meat would double to 18 euros per kilo.
The Vegetarians’ Association and TAPP Coalition commissioned the study to achieve a fairer price for meat. They claim that a large portion of the population supports additional taxes on meat. A study conducted by Ipsos shows that 57 per cent of the population is in favour of higher prices for meat.
