Patterns of Red and Processed Meat Consumption across North America: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Comparison of Dietary Recalls from Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Close economic ties encourage production and trade of meat between Canada, Mexico, and the US. Understanding the patterns of red and processed meat consumption in North America may inform policies designed to reduce meat consumption and bolster environmental and public health efforts across the continent. We used nationally-representative cross-sectional survey data to analyze consumption of unprocessed red meat; processed meat; and total red and processed meat. Generalized linear models were used to separately estimate probability of consumption and adjusted mean intake. Prevalence of total meat consumers was higher in the US (73.6, 95% CI: 72.3-74.8%) than in Canada (65.6, 63.9-67.2%) or Mexico (62.7, 58.1-67.2%). Men were more likely to consume unprocessed red, processed, and total meat, and had larger estimated intakes. In Mexico, high wealth individuals were more likely to consume all three categories of meat. In the US and Canada, those with high education were less likely to consume total and processed meat. Estimated mean intake of unprocessed red, processed, and total meat did not differ across sociodemographic strata. Overall consumption of red and processed meat remains high in North America. Policies to reduce meat consumption are appropriate for all three countries.

Automated summary

Close economic ties among Canada, Mexico, and the US facilitate the production and trade of meat. Understanding consumption patterns of red and processed meat in North America can inform policies aimed at reducing meat consumption and supporting environmental and public health efforts. Overall, consumption of red and processed meat remains high in North America, with differences in consumption patterns among demographics such as gender, wealth, and education levels. Strategies to decrease meat consumption are relevant for all three countries.