This would lead to a $41bn saving in annual healthcare costs, the research shows. A 20% tax on unprocessed red meat and a 110% tax on processed options across wealthy nations, and a lower tax in poorer countries, would lead to a 220,000 reduction in deaths and raise $170bn towards health care every year, according to research from the University of Oxford. The higher price of red meat would also lead to a reduction in meat consumption by two portions a week, saving a further $41bn each year in health care costs. “Meat is not just an environmental issue, it’s about our health,” said Dr David Sinclair, director of public affairs at World Animal Protection.
A 20% tax on unprocessed red meat and a 110% tax on processed options across wealthy nations, and a lower tax in poorer countries, would lead to a 220,000 reduction in deaths and raise $170bn towards health care every year, according to research from the University of Oxford. The higher price of red meat would also lead to a reduction in meat consumption by two portions a week, saving a further $41bn each year in health care costs. “Meat is not just an environmental issue, it’s about our health,” said Dr David Sinclair, director of public affairs at World Animal Protection.