Supply of meat

Definition

Grams per person per day of meat available in a country's food supply. Includes production plus imports minus exports and changes in meat stocks. This indicator takes into consideration meat as well as processed foods derived from meats. Data is drawn from the FAO Food Balance Sheets. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.

Relevance

Availability of meat in the national food supply is a precursor to consumption of meat. Many high-income countries consume meat in excess, while food insecure populations in low- and middle-income countries consume very small amounts. Meat may be an important source of micronutrients for nutritionally vulnerable groups. Note that this indicator does not consider differences in access and affordability of meat among population subgroups.