The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has significantly reduced its recommendations for meat consumption. By the end of 2023, the guideline is expected to be incorporated into Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir’s (Green Party) nutrition strategy and applied in numerous canteens. Currently, Germans consume an average of 763 grams of meat per week, which is divided into 19 grams of poultry, 40 grams of red meat, and 50 grams of processed meat daily. However, the DGE now recommends a maximum meat consumption of 600 grams per week, with a new guideline of 70 grams per week, equivalent to a single bratwurst.
The DGE’s updated recommendations are based on scientific evidence that links high meat consumption to increased cancer risk and externalized costs of agriculture. The new guidelines also consider the environmental impact of meat production, which is responsible for high CO2 and methane emissions. While the DGE’s guideline is only a recommendation, it is implemented in various places, such as canteens that want to receive a certificate for healthy nutrition. However, the meat industry has expressed concerns about potential nutrient deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin B12, and believes that reducing the consumption of animal products would worsen this condition.
The DGE’s guideline is expected to be included in the new nutrition strategy of Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, which is set to be approved by the end of 2023. While some criticize the DGE for being too paternalistic in its approach to nutrition policy, others argue that education and exercise programs, particularly for young people, are needed to promote healthy eating habits. Ultimately, the DGE’s updated recommendations reflect a growing awareness of the health and environmental impacts of meat consumption and the need for more sustainable and nutritious food choices.
