From meat to plant-based products? The enduring impact of BSE on beef consumption

Abstract

This study redefines the impact of the BSE outbreak on EU dietary patterns, revealing a lasting shift toward plant-based consumption. Utilizing advanced difference-in-differences techniques on 1980-2020 data, we demonstrate that while beef consumption exhibited a transient U-shaped recovery relative to other meats, it declined sharply compared to plant-based products, with average reductions of 79%, 29%, and 28% for pulses, cereals, and vegetable oils, respectively. This highlights a structural dietary change, overlooked by previous analyses focused on meat substitution. Results are robust to sensitivity tests and support plant-based consumption policies that promote health and sustainability in response to meat safety scares.

Keywords

Food Safety; Meat reduction; Event Study; Difference-in-differences

Published in

Working Paper Series / Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics
2025, number: 2025:01
Publisher: Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

SLU Authors

• Ferguson, Shon

  • Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG3 Good health and well-being

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Economics and Management and Rural development
Economics

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/143078