Meat consumption is declining slightly in Austria; in 2023, about ten percent less meat was consumed than in 2018. The trend is going in the right direction, but according to current dietary recommendations, Austrians still eat about five times more meat, ham, sausage, etc. than recommended.
For the fourth time since 2020, Greenpeace has investigated the pork supply in Austrian supermarkets based on livestock farming criteria. The last market inspection in 2024 only used fresh meat that had not been marinated or mixed.
Only about one percent of the meat is organic
A positive aspect of this year’s result is the increased share of meat from better livestock farming. The share has increased from 4.6 percent to 7.3 percent compared to 2023 – a growth of 58 percent. However, according to Greenpeace, the disadvantage is that only about one percent of it is organic.
Fully slatted floors are a sad reality
Conventional pork is usually associated with enormous animal suffering. More than 90 percent of Austria’s pigs live tightly packed on hard, fully slatted floors, without straw and without access to fresh air. No one really wants to have to deal with animal suffering,” says Sebastian Theissing-Matei, agricultural expert at Greenpeace.
Unfortunately, better livestock farming is the exception in pig breeding.
- Nine out of ten pigs in Austria lead a miserable existence: crammed into very small spaces, on hard, fully slatted floors, without straw and access to fresh air.
- The share of pork from better livestock farming in the supermarket is 7.3 percent, of which one percent comes from environmentally friendly organic livestock farming.
- More than 90 percent of pigs in Austria receive imported genetically modified soy from abroad.
Billa Plus has the largest share of pork from better livestock farming.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
