Summary
This modelling study quantified the economic health costs of red and processed meat consumption globally at USD 285 billion in 2020 and calculated economically optimal tax levels for 149 world regions to internalise these costs. Under optimal taxation, processed meat prices increased by 25% on average (ranging from 1–100% across income levels), with consumption declining by 16% globally, whilst red meat consumption remained relatively stable. Implementation of such taxes was projected to prevent approximately 222,000 deaths annually and reduce attributable health costs by USD 41 billion globally.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK policy development, as the United Kingdom was included in the 149 regions analysed. The study provides evidence-based tax rate recommendations that could inform UK public health and climate policy, particularly relevant given the National Health Service's interest in non-communicable disease prevention and the UK's net-zero commitments.
Key measures
Health-related costs (USD billions), optimal tax levels by region (percentage price increases), changes in consumption (percentage decreases), mortality attributable to red and processed meat consumption (number of deaths), health cost reductions (USD billions)
Outcomes reported
The study modelled economically optimal tax levels for 149 world regions and estimated impacts on consumption, health costs, and non-communicable disease mortality using a coupled modelling framework. It quantified the global health costs attributable to red and processed meat consumption and projected mortality reductions under optimal taxation scenarios.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.