Consumption of Meat and Processed Meats in the Russian Federation: A Retrospective Analysis and Current Realities

Abstract

Background: Meat is an important source of energy, animal proteins and micronutrients in human nutrition. On the one hand, meat products and dishes are valuable sources of essential nutrients and an integral part of a healthy and nutritious diet; on the other hand, they are among the foods, the excessive consumption of which can pose risks of certain chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The analysis of trends in the average consumption of meat and meat products and their contribution to the chemical composition and energy value of the diet of Russian people is important, inter alia, for substantiating appropriate prevention strategies for NCDs at the population level. Objective: To analyze current consumption of meat and processed meats, to establish recent trends in their dietary intake, and to assess contribution of meat products to the nutritional value of the diet of Russian people. Materials and methods: We have analyzed meat and processed meats consumption based on data collected by the Russian Federal Service for State Statistics (Rosstat) within annual selective surveys of household budgets conducted in 1985–2021 and a selective survey of the diets of the Russian population in 2018. Results: The article presents the results of analyzing consumption dynamics for various types of meat and processed meats in the Russian Federation from 1985 to 2021 and the role of meat products in nutrition as a source of dietary risk factors for NCDs. We have established that meat and poultry are regularly consumed by 84.7 % of Russian adults while sausages and smoked processed meats are regularly present in the diet of 41.7 % and 18.8 % of them, respectively. We have also estimated the average daily intake of 56.4 g for all types of sausages, 83.3 g for frankfurters and short thick wieners, 133.9 g for semi-finished and ready-to-eat meat products, 59.1 g for meat snacks, and 47.6 g for canned meat and canned meat with vegetables. This regularity, high frequency and volume of consumption indicate that meat products make a considerable contribution to the daily average intake of calories and such critical nutrients posing risks of NCDs as fat, saturated fatty acids, and salt (sodium). Conclusion: We have observed a significant increase in meat consumption in the Russian Federation in recent years and a change in consumption of various types of meat and processed meats. In order to reduce the exposure of the population to dietary risk factors, it is expedient not only to improve outreach programs in healthy nutrition but also to interact with manufacturers with the purpose of updating regulatory documents for processed meats, developing new low-sodium products, and stimulating voluntary implementation of front-of-pack nutrition labeling.