Annual Red Meat Consumption in Iran Falls to 'Less than 600,000 Tons'

The Secretary of the Association of Importers of Raw Animal Products states that the annual consumption of red meat in Iran has dropped to less than 600,000 tons per year. Ahmad Shad, in an interview with ILNA news agency on Sunday, September 16, declared the existing statistics on meat consumption in Iran as unrealistic, stating: 'According to unofficial statistics, the meat consumption in the country is between 850,000 to one million tons per year, but our estimates show less than this amount.' Mr. Shad noted that there are no reliable statistics regarding meat consumption in the country; however, estimates based on import levels and slaughtered livestock indicate that the annual consumption of red meat, including both light and heavy livestock, has fallen to below 600,000 tons. He mentioned: 'Iranians have consumed more meat in previous years, but consumption has decreased since the year 1400 (2021).' Meanwhile, according to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Iranians consumed 335,000 tons of sheep meat and 382,000 tons of beef last year. Thus, based on this estimate, Iran's red meat consumption last year was less than 720,000 tons. Domestic statistics on per capita meat consumption in Iran vary. Masoud Rasouli, Secretary of the Meat and Protein Packaging Industry Association, reported last year in Ordibehesht that per capita meat consumption has decreased to four kilograms per year. Some reports and calculations published in domestic media have indicated this figure to be around three kilograms. The Statistical Center of Iran reported a continued decline in production and an increase in red meat prices. According to estimates from the Statistical Center, per capita meat consumption in Iran was about thirteen kilograms per year in 1390 (2011), which decreased to eight kilograms in 1398 (2019). All this data indicates a significant decline in red meat consumption in Iran over the past decade, with per capita consumption last year dropping about 35 percent compared to 1390. The notable decline in red meat consumption in Iran coincides with rising inflation rates, and meat prices have recorded the highest food inflation in recent months. Data released by the Statistical Center indicates that in Mordad (July) of this year, the inflation rate for food and beverages reached 34.8 percent, with the highest food inflation related to the 'red meat and poultry' group. The annual inflation for this group was reported at 58.3 percent. Nutrition specialists have warned in recent years about the health consequences of decreased protein consumption among Iranians. A former official from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare also warned last year with new statistics about 'malnutrition' among the Iranian people, stating that a 'humanitarian disaster' is occurring in the country. The Research Center of the Parliament also announced last year that the caloric intake of half of Iranians in 1401 (2022) was below the standard.