Positive Health Online

Abstract

SORENSON and co-workers, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA, have investigated the impact of 'Mad Cow Disease' publicity on meat and total vitamin A consumption in Geneva.

Background

In March 1996, revelations about the possible risk for humans of eating meat contaminated with BSE had a sudden impact on the eating habits of the European population. This study aimed at quantifying the changes in meat and nutrient intakes in Geneva, Switzerland, between 1993 and 2000.

Methodology

Independent annual cross-sectional surveys were conducted among 4047 women and 4092 men. Dietary habits were assessed and compared to baseline (January 1993 – April 1996) using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Results

Among women, beef abstainers increased from 8.9% to 14.9% in late 1996 and to 13.3% in 1997 (p = 0.05); amongst meat-consumers, meat and beef intakes declined by 10% and 12% respectively in late 1996. Between 1997 and 2000 most intake levels drifted back towards baseline but levels of chicken consumption remained significantly higher. Similar but less dramatic changes were found among the men surveyed. From late 1996 people ate significantly less liver. The only nutrients that decreased significantly each year from 1997 through 2000 were retinol and total vitamin A (women –22% and –11% respectively; men –16% and –10% respectively; p = 0.001 and 0.05 respectively).

Conclusion

The decrease in liver and beef consumption associated with BSE has lead to a significant long-term disparity in the retinol and total vitamin A levels in the European population.

References

Sorenson AW, Delhumeau C, Bernstein MS, Costanza MC, Morabia A. Impact of 'Mad Cow Disease' publicity on trends in meat and total vitamin A consumption in Geneva between 1993 and 2000. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 57 (1): 177-185, Jan 2003.