Scientists Demand Policy Shift to Stop Misrepresentation of Meat
The Dublin Declaration of Scientists has issued a renewed call for policymakers to base food regulations on rigorous scientific evidence.
Originally created in 2022, the declaration highlights meat’s critical role in diets, sustainability, and global food systems.
Over 1,200 scientists globally have signed the declaration, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policymaking.
The Dublin Declaration and Its Evolution
Initiated during the 2022 International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat in Dublin, the declaration calls for high scientific standards in addressing the role of livestock systems.
“Livestock systems must progress on the basis of the highest scientific standards. They are too precious to society to become the victim of simplification, reductionism, or zealotry,” the declaration states.
In October 2024, the Second International Summit in Denver reiterated these principles with a “Denver Call for Action.”
The updated document underscores the importance of addressing public health challenges and supporting sustainable livestock systems.
A Push for Evidence-Based Dietary Guidelines
The scientists have voiced concerns over policies pushing for reduced meat consumption without robust evidence. They argue that “substitutes” like faux meat and ultra-processed alternatives often lack comparable nutritional value and scalability.
The declaration stresses that reducing nutrient-dense animal-sourced foods could exacerbate malnutrition, chronic diseases, and mental health issues.
Policymakers are urged to prioritize human well-being with oversimplified solutions that may harm food systems and global populations. “We observe a trend in policymaking to deploy patronizing approaches aimed at restricting dietary choice,” the scientists note.
Livestock Systems and Sustainability
The declaration emphasizes recognizing livestock’s role in ecology, including contributions to soil fertility, biodiversity, and nutrient availability.
Simplistic portrayals of livestock as harmful overlook their broader benefits. Scientists call for nuanced, data-driven approaches to assess livestock’s environmental impact and sustainability.
As Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Windisch and other experts assert, “Meeting the massive challenge of nourishing global populations while minimizing environmental harm will only be achieved through the transparent application of the scientific method.”
The Dublin Declaration remains a rallying cry for policymakers to uphold science’s integrity while navigating the complex relationship between food systems, public health, and sustainability.
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