After the great process of industrialization and urbanization of societies during the 20th century, the food security approach lead the industry to focus on producing larger amounts of food at affordable prices. Nowadays, the predictions in growth of global population led to again work on this approach. However, this now must be also compatible with stricter consumers’ demands, especially in the areas of health (nutrition), animal welfare and convenience. Consumers themselves are faced with a bewildering range of product choices and increasing information, which raises questions about links between sustainability in production and consumption. The main aspects will be discussed. In order to continue being competitive and sustainable, the meat industry must continually respond to consumer and market-lead quality ques (Troy & Kerry, 2010).
Food Safety
Food safety is an essential pillar of social sustainability, and as a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, meat products have received special attention from consumers, stakeholders and policy makers. Consumers feel that consumers are not satisfied that the current food system is adequately attending to threats (providing sufficient protection from) of foodborne contamination (Tobin, Thomson, & LaBorde, 2012).
Particularly, cattle and beef markets have suffered from these safety concerns mainly as a consequence of the discovery of cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The impact of this issue was so important that some countries have lost their access to key markets (such as North America into the Japanese market) (Schroeder, Tonsor, Mintert, & Pennings, 2007).
From the industry and producers’ perspective, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of consumer produce safety perceptions and preferences, in order to make better-informed decisions regarding their food safety practices. In this sense, Tobin et al. (2012) studied how consumer demographics, along with their preferences for specific attributes in fresh produce, such as local, organic and inspected for food safety (GAP), affect their produce safety perceptions. These authors found that consumers perceive that produce inspected for GAPs offers enhanced safety. In this sense, O’Donovan and McCarthy (2002) found that increasing awareness of food safety and pollution issues are important determinants in the purchase of organic meat.