Government wants to reconsider new dietary advice with reduced amount of meat

Last fall, it was reported that the National Food Agency will revise its dietary advice at the turn of the year, and one of the proposals was a significantly reduced amount of red meat per week. The government now wants the agency to withdraw that advice and conduct a new analysis.

Currently, the limit is set at 500 grams per week, which they want to decrease by 30 percent to 350 grams per week. As little as possible should consist of processed meat products.

The proposed reduction is based on research showing that red meat likely increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer.

The task involves the National Food Agency conducting an in-depth impact analysis of how the proposed dietary advice on red meat and processed meat products may affect public health, food production, climate, biodiversity, and food security.

“Dietary advice is very important from several perspectives, not least in terms of long-term food supply and access to nutritious food. There are still uncertainties regarding the dietary advice on red meat, especially concerning the effects on Swedish food production, so the National Food Agency is tasked with conducting a thorough analysis of them,” said Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (KD), according to a statement.

Peter Kullgren (KD). Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices of Sweden

New dietary advice postponed

In its impact analysis, the National Food Agency shall assume that five percent and 30 percent of the population follow these levels, as well as the scenario that the proportion of Swedish products remains unchanged and the scenario that more people choose Swedish products.

The analysis shall particularly focus on the effects in primary production, and differences in climate impact between nationally produced and imported meat shall also be highlighted. The health effects shall also be assessed for a consumption equivalent to the current dietary advice of 500 grams and 350 grams per week.

The task must be reported by April 30, 2025, and only then can an update of the dietary advice be made.