A meaty issue: The health-conscious foodies opting for prime Scotch Beef
Scotch brand brings assurance of quality
Around one in five people in Britain describe themselves as flexitarian – a term used to describe those who actively choose quality over quantity when it comes to eating red meat.
Here, we find out why this increased interest in the way meat is produced, offers a real opportunity for Scotland’s beef, lamb and pork industry – the first in the world to embrace quality assurance.
Inan age where provenance and nutritional values are important factors when it comes to what we eat, our dietary choices are changing.
A recent survey revealed just over 20% of Britons now identify as flexitarian, a term used to describe consumers who eat mainly plantbased foods but continue to eat fish and meat in a selective way.
The reasons cited for adopting this approach include a desire to eat a healthy diet, concerns over animal welfare, and being environmentally conscious.
The good news for flexitarians in Scotland is that red meat produced and sold under the Scotch brand, comes with guarantees on traceability, animal welfare and methods of production so that consumers have assurances around quality and standards.
By including quality meat in their diets, consumers who follow the flexitarian approach are ensuring they continue to take in the important nutrients provided by beef, lamb and pork and don’t miss out on the health benefits of a balanced diet.
Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton explained: “We know the more varied a diet you have the more likely you are to achieve recommended nutrient intake levels. When we analyse the diets of vegans, where people cut out meat, poultry, dairy, fish and eggs, we find people are often lacking in nutrients.
“We also know that if you’re eating a varied diet where you’re eating from the different food groups every single week, then you are giving yourself the best possible chance of achieving required nutrient intakes.
“So you can have a healthy, balanced diet with red meat which provides the iron and the zinc you need in your diet. The average intake of cooked red meat in Scotland is 56g per day, which his well within NHS guidelines of 70g per day.”
Red meat is a source of protein which is essential for energy and the body’s growth and repair.
It is also a source of iron and contains high-quality haem iron that is easily absorbed by the body, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals including zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, all of which contribute to good health and wellbeing.
Scotch is the industry goldstandard when it comes to quality, flavour and high production values in red meat. Scottish farmers have particularly strong sustainability credentials with cattle and sheep playing an important role in maintaining the landscape and providing habitats for wildlife.
Borders farmer and vet Kate Rowell, also chair of Quality Meat Scotland, takes a particular pride in the animal welfare behind the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands.
“It is important that consumers understand all the care which goes into the production of quality assured beef, lamb and pork in Scotland at every step.
“We are proud to work in partnership with the Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity, and this is underpinned by a formal Animal Welfare and Wellbeing Charter.”
“Top-quality meat is right at the centre of Scotland’s natural larder and we have a long history of producing products which have earned a reputation for quality and taste around the globe.
“On top of all that, red meat contributes a very important role in a healthy diet and as a mum of four hungry teenagers that is something which is very important to me.
“Life is hectic but there are so many simple, healthy dishes featuring beef, lamb and pork and vegetables which we can rustle up for a family meal.”