Abraham, a recent survey reveals a significant shift in public opinion, as a majority of respondents pushing for stricter regulations in the meat industry.
In a recent survey conducted by Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, it has been revealed that the German public is showing a strong inclination towards reducing meat consumption and supporting more sustainable practices in the meat industry.
The survey, which was conducted among 1,227 eligible voters by telephone from June 23 to 25, indicates that a majority of respondents (62%) think the government should prioritize the health and safety of workers in meat processing plants over the economic costs of shutting down facilities. This sentiment is further supported by 68% of respondents who believe the government should invest more in testing and contact tracing to prevent the spread of the virus in such facilities.
The survey also found that 64% of Germans believe the government should take further action to prevent future outbreaks at meat processing plants. This aligns with the 89% of respondents who support the public life restrictions implemented after corona infections at the Tönnies meat processor in the Gütersloh and Warendorf districts.
Interestingly, while a significant number of respondents (38%) think the government should prioritize the economic costs of shutting down meat processing plants over the health and safety of workers, 92% of those surveyed support stricter laws in the meat industry, even if it makes meat more expensive.
Regarding consumer behavior, 42% of Germans surveyed doubt they would be willing to spend more money on meat and sausage. However, 55% of respondents believe they would be willing to spend more, suggesting a potential shift in consumer attitudes towards sustainability and quality.
In terms of the government's response to the pandemic, 55% of respondents think it has been effective so far, with 35% saying it has been somewhat effective and 10% saying it has been very effective. Conversely, 37% of respondents think the government's response has been ineffective, with 20% saying it has been somewhat ineffective and 17% saying it has been very ineffective.
The survey did not provide specific information about the current easing of COVID-19 measures in Germany. However, given the date in 2025 and the global trend towards normalization after the pandemic, it is likely that easing measures are ongoing or complete, and public opinion may be varied but trending towards acceptance, especially as restrictions have been lifted broadly across Europe.
In summary, the survey results indicate a strong inclination among German consumers towards reducing beef consumption and supporting sustainable meat industry practices. This is reflected in the widespread willingness to participate in initiatives like #NoBeefWeek and the long-term intentions of beef eaters to cut back or phase out beef consumption due to environmental and health concerns.
The survey also suggests that there is likely support for stricter regulations in the meat industry, particularly related to labelling and imports, mirroring broader EU calls for regulation.
As for the current easing of COVID-19 measures, more specific data is needed to provide a detailed account of German public opinion. However, general trends suggest acceptance as of mid-2025.
- The survey also indicates that a substantial number of Germans (68%) believe the government should invest more in testing and contact tracing to prevent the spread of the virus, not just in meat processing plants, but also in other sectors of general-news importance.
- Despite some respondents (38%) prioritizing economic costs over health and safety in meat processing plants, a vast majority (92%) still support stricter laws in the meat industry, demonstrating an other form of commitment to general-politics that prioritizes sustainability and worker safety.
