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 As a member of the International Meat Secretariat (IMS), Canada Beef was able to contribute to the recent United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report which concluded that “animal source foods contribute to healthy diets,” among many other positive findings for meat. Released on April 25, the report found that animal-sourced foods, which include eggs, milk, and meat (as well as insects, and wild animals) are all a unique source of high-quality protein and many other bioavailable essential nutrients, and they contribute 18% of the global food energy consumption and 34% of the global protein consumption.” The FAO acknowledged that there are “many opposing views on the risks and benefits of these foods on human and planetary health,” hence the need for an extensive and objective global assessment. Canada Beef’s contribution through the IMS ensured that key evidence-based research was not overlooked in the evaluation of this important area. The 296-page report “Contribution of terrestrial animal source food to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health outcomes,” is first of four reports to be published under the FAO effort. Subsequent reports will consider topics other than nutrition such as sustainability, and supply and demand drivers. The impetus for the report stems from a FAO meeting in fall 2020. During the meeting, a special subcommittee was appointed to produce a “comprehensive science and evidence-based global assessment of the contribution of livestock on food security, sustainable food systems, nutrition and healthy diets” in order to develop a science-based position on this topic. As part of the process, the IMS was asked by the FAO to contribute to their work on this topic. Through IMS, Canada Beef submitted more than 100 comments and 19 references not previously identified by the FAO. Canada Beef’s contribution, along with many other comments the effort received, allowed the FAO to carefully consider the full body of evidence on this topic. The first report generated significant interest with mainstream media, with headlines like: FAO Makes Case for Meat, Eggs And Milk As ‘Essential Source Of Nutrients' FAO: Governments should promote benefits of meat, eggs and milk Foods of animal origin? Fundamental to a healthy diet: FAO In a news release, IMS President Guillaume Roué commented that FAO's conclusions reaffirm that meat plays an essential role in positive health outcomes and point to the urgent need for further research on specific populations' nutrient needs, as well as the need to accelerate adoption of climate-smart livestock production. “The highest standard evidence, including FAO's analysis, must inform global and country-level recommendations on meat production and consumption, in order to harness meat's benefits for human health and the environment," he said. Canada Beef’s involvement with this high-profile report demonstrates the value of our international connections and IMS membership, and our research, which allowed us to provide value through quality, current input. View a summary from UN News here. Back to main page

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