The University of Algarve’s decision to eliminate beef from the canteen’s food supply in the next academic year triggered a formal reaction from the Portuguese Meat Industry Association (APIC), which questions the environmental and nutritional data presented by the institution and calls for the measure to be reviewed.
According to the University of Algarve, the “The Future Begins on the Plate” campaign aims to promote more conscious food choices within the academic community, associating food, health and environmental impact. The initiative foresees a reduction in the presence of foods of animal origin, with special emphasis on beef, which will be excluded from the offer.
In the institutional statement, the university frames the measure as part of a broader sustainability strategy, linked to reducing pressure on natural resources and emissions associated with food systems.
Emissions and environmental impact under debate
The university states that food systems represent between 26% and 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, also highlighting the weight of beef production in this total. It is at this point that one of APIC’s main challenges arises.
In a message sent to the Rector, the association writes that “the value of 50 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kilo of meat is not representative of European production or Portuguese reality”, arguing that the data used does not reflect the EU’s production systems.
Meat, nutrients and food alternatives
The UAlg campaign also highlights the role of so-called “blue foods”, such as fish and shellfish, in replacing terrestrial animal protein sources, pointing out nutritional benefits and lower environmental impact.
However, APIC counters that the nutritional equivalence presented is incomplete. In the document sent to the university, it is stated that “the heminic iron present in beef has significantly greater bioavailability”, warning of relevant differences in the absorption of nutrients between foods of different origin.
Mediterranean Diet and interpretation of recommendations
The university frames the initiative within the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, valuing plant-based and marine-based foods and locally produced foods. However, the association disputes this reading.
APIC says that the Mediterranean Food Wheel includes red meat in the respective food group, even with reduced recommended consumption, and maintains that the total elimination “does not correspond to the official guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health”.
Open letter and request for review
In the communication sent to the Rector, APIC states that the measure “replaces dietary diversification with complete elimination”, considering that this option raises doubts about the balance of the approach adopted by the university. The association also requests that the decision be re-evaluated and that the data used to justify the campaign be reviewed in the light of European and national studies.
UAlg supports its campaign on scientific references, such as the EAT-Lancet Commission, which advocates profound transformations in global food systems. APIC recognizes the relevance of the debate, but remembers that the report has been the target of criticism in the scientific community. In the document, the association states that there are “methodological issues and limitations in the global applicability of the recommendations”, defending a more cautious reading of the conclusions presented.
At the end of its position, APIC proposes the opening of a space for dialogue with the University of Algarve, defending the participation of different actors in the food chain. The association expresses its willingness to collaborate on academic and educational initiatives, highlighting the importance of integrating different perspectives in the discussion on food sustainability.
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