Meat Warning Wurst News for Germans

Germans told to cut meat consumption for sake of the planet
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 23, 2009 1:49 AM CST
Meat Warning Wurst News for Germans
A German soccer fan snacks on bratwurst. A German government official has appealed for Germans to eat less meat.   (Getty Images)

Bratwurst-loving Germans have been told they must eat less meat for the health of the planet, reports the Guardian. The government's adviser on the environment is urging Germans to return to habits decades ago when meat was eaten only on Sundays and special occasions. Germans now eat far more meat than their European neighbors, obtaining 39% of their calories from meat or meat products, compared with 25% in Italy.

Agriculture is responsible for 15% of Germany's greenhouse gas emissions, and meat production is a key culprit, said the official, who recommended Germans adopt the eating habits of Mediterranean countries. "It hardly means sacrificing quality of life," he said. An agricultural adviser beefed about the comments, saying "enlightened consumers should decide for themselves what they want to eat."
(More Germany stories.)

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