Consumption of Meat in Brazil: A Perspective on Social Inequalities and Food and Nutrition Security

The EAT-Lancet "Planetary Health Diet" (PHD) proposes dietary recommendations to address health and environmental concerns, including reducing meat consumption. However, in Brazil, where meat holds cultural significance, the feasibility of these recommendations is questionable. This study aimed to examine meat consumption across the five Brazilian regions through the lens of the PHD, considering regionalisms and social inequalities. Using data from the 2017-2018 Household Budget Survey (POF), we estimated meat consumption. A multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between excessive meat consumption and sociodemographic factors, such as region of the country, sex, per capita income profile, and level of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS). Our results reveal that meat consumption exceeds recommendations in all Brazilian regions. To effectively promote healthier and more sustainable diets, public health interventions must consider regional disparities and the cultural significance of meat. Policies should prioritize food justice and address the underlying social and economic factors that drive meat consumption.