Changes in consumer preferences and dietary habit were highlighted by emeritus professor of Nutrition and Food Science with University of Barcelona, Abel Mariné Font, who explained that, while consumers’ choice is increasingly dictated by emotion, meat appears to be an irreplaceable part of our diet due to its provision of concentrated essential minerals, vitamins and amino acids.

It was also suggested that improving the state of animal welfare across the EU would not require new legislation, but a resolution to maintain current high standards and take appropriate actions when standards are not met. This idea was backed by Vytenis Andriukaitis, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, who commented on the importance of ensuring full completion of previous commitments.

UECBV (European Livestock and Meat Trades Union) also publicised its commitment to enforcing animal welfare standards among other sectors, such as meat hygiene, by submitting to the EU Commissioner a slaughter hygiene guide intended to provide a best-practice model for the prevention of red meat contamination.

The underlying message of the meeting was clear; that the successful collaboration of minds from across the private sector, authorities, academics and NGOs in the EU Platform for animal welfare, would ensure that action towards improving animal welfare would continue, with or without new legislation.

For more information on the UECBV AGM 2017, follow this link: UECBV