Israel’s Processed Meat Consumption Plunges 30 Percent

Six months after the World Health Organization (WHO) placed processed meat in the same category as cancerous substances such as asbestos, tobacco, and arsenic, Israel has seen an average 30 percent overall decrease in consumption of processed meat. According to news outlet Globes, the processed meat industry has suffered a $23.7 million downturn since January, with sales down in every category, including a decrease of 21.1 percent in cold cuts, 27.1 percent in sausages, 31.9 percent in hot dogs, and 32.2 percent in deli sales. Israeli processed meat producers have attempted to lure customers back with special offers on their products, but have not had success. The WHO report had similar effects on other parts of the world, particularly the United Kingdom where one-third of British meat eaters reduced their consumption this year.