Vegetarian UK

Vegetarian UK By Sally Trowbridge Vegetarianism is increasing in the UK as more and more people are deciding not to eat meat and animal products. According to the Vegetarian Society, 2,000 people give up meat and turn veggie in Britain every week. There is even a ‘National Vegetarian Week’ organised every year to encourage people to try a meat-free lifestyle. Vegetarians and vegans A recent poll estimated that three million people (5.7% of the population) were vegetarian. Vegetarians (people who don’t eat meat) and vegans (people who don’t eat or use any animal products) are becoming increasingly common in UK culture. Visit a British supermarket and you will see a wide range of vegetarian ingredients and prepared meals on the shelves, including vegetarian sausages and vegan cheese. A healthy diet So why are Brits stopping eating meat? Many are unhappy about the poor treatment of animals and the effects of meat and fish production on the environment. Worries about food safety (for example, mad cow disease) also play a part. Others choose to change their eating habits to improve their general health. According to the Vegetarian Society, a meat-free diet could help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease as well as obesity and high blood pressure. Organic farming Another rising trend is in how UK food is produced. Many people are rejecting modified food and intensive farming practices. They want their food to be organically produced. Organic farmers use very few or no chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers, and organic meat is produced without the use of drugs and antibiotics. Organically farmed animals also have more living space and more nutritious food. Organic food According to the Soil Association, three out of every four UK households now buy some types of organic food. Some get organic meat, fruit and vegetables from farmers’ markets, where products are sold directly to the consumers. Others have a box of organic fruit and vegetables delivered to their homes every week. Many people buy organic produce in their local supermarkets. Although it’s often more expensive, fans of organic food say it tastes much better!