Anger as BBC urges children to eat less meat
FARMERS have accused the BBC of “stooping to new depths” as young viewers are being advised to eat less meat as part of a campaign launched by Blue Peter.
The broadcaster’s iconic children’s show has asked viewers to become part of a ‘green army’ to tackle carbon emissions and climate change.
Recommendations to earn a Green Badge include encouraging children to take the ‘Supersize Plants Pledge’ and replacing red meat such as beef and lamb with “climate friendly” plant-based alternatives.
Citing phrases including “reducing the amount of meat you eat, especially beef and lamb, is known to be even better for the climate than reducing the amount you travel in a car”, the campaign has prompted a backlash from the farming industry.
In an open letter to BBC director general, Tim Davie, the National Beef Association (NBA) accused the broadcaster of being “unbalanced, and at worst irresponsible”.
“This absolutely implies that eating meat is not an environmentally acceptable thing to do,” writes Neil Shand, chief executive of the NBA.
“Meat – of all origins, but especially red meat – is a valuable source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and is scientifically established to provide nutrients which are essential to development and growth of children.
“Many of these nutrients that are vital to a healthy food balance cannot be found naturally in any other food source.”
The NBA’s letter also claims that the Blue Peter campaign fails to give any negative view on how fruit, vegetables and other plant-based food, along with their corresponding air miles, might impact the environment.
“It is incomprehensible that this type of programme should offer views which are at best unbalanced, and at worst irresponsible,” Mr Shand adds.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales have also responded in an open letter, and criticised the BBC for the use of “incorrect, misleading and widely-debunked data”.
“As a public service broadcaster, the BBC has a responsibility to provide an impartial argument. This is all the more important when communicating to children,” it states.