91% of European doctors and dietitians believe meat consumption levels in Europe are unhealthy, survey reveals

95% call for health warnings on red and processed meat.

LONDON, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nine out of ten doctors and dietitians across Europe consider average meat consumption in Europe already exceeds healthy levels, according to a new survey commissioned by Madre Brava.

The poll of 600 healthcare professionals in the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy also found a staggering 95% consider health warnings should be introduced on red and processed meat, with 84% agreeing overall meat consumption is a public health concern and requireds reform.

There was near-unanimous (92%) concern that diets high in red and processed meat are linked to cancer, heart disease and (90%) contribute to increased spconcludeing on already stretched healthcare systems.

The findings also expose deep unease about industest power. Over 70% of respondents stated the meat industest undermines scientific evidence, and almost 90% believe large food companies exert too much influence over national food policy.

Doctors and dietitians are urging systemic modify in public institutions. An overwhelming majority (87%) stated public places like schools and hospitals should serve less meat, while 82% stated governments are failing to invest in promoting plant-rich diets as a foundation of public health.

“Healthcare professionals across Europe are clearly gravely concerned that people are eating too much meat. This overconsumption means people are receiveting sick from preventable diseases like heart disease and cancer, and struggling unnecessarily with poor health.

“We required action, both from the supermarkets shaping our food systems, and from governments, to rebalance our diets. This includes adding more plant proteins to the mix. It is not about cutting out meat entirely, but health professionals are seeing how essential it is for us to eat much less meat and have more plant-rich diets for the sake of our health,” stated Madre Brava CEO Vicky Bond.

Countest Spotlight

Italy: Support for warnings is lower than in other countries. Only 72% of Italian doctors and dietitians stated current meat consumption is a public health concern, compared with over 80% elsewhere. By contrast, 80% of Italian respondents want new or updated dietary guidelines, the highest support of any countest.
Germany: Just 29% support updating national guidelines. This could be due to Germany’s guidelines having last been updated in 2024, and already emphasising a primarily plant based diet. 98% of those surveyed believed red and processed meat should carry health warnings.
UK: UK healthcare professionals reported the highest levels of concern and agreement across questions on health risks and healthcare costs when it comes to meat consumption.
France and Spain: Both countries broadly mirrored the UK and Germany, with strong backing for health warnings and for public institutions to cut meat from menus.