BPC research reveals poultry is the UK’s number 1 meat

Almost seven tenths of people buy and consume more poultry meat than any other meat, new research for the British Poultry Council (BPC) has revealed.

Research commissioned ahead of Food Safety Week (16 to 22 June) and carried out by Populus, shows that poultry meat (Chicken, Duck, Goose and Turkey) is the most popular meat to buy and eat for 69% of consumers, compared with Beef for 16%, Pork for 11% and Lamb for 4% of those surveyed.

The findings also reveal that three quarters (76%) of women eat poultry more than other meats, compared to less than two thirds of men (63%). Poultry is also the younger respondent’s meat of choice with 79% of 18-24 year olds, 78% of 25-34 year olds, falling to 66% of 55-64 year olds, and 60% of those aged 65 and over – all eating poultry meat more than any other.

The survey also found that whilst 78% of people are confident they know how to minimise foodborne illness, around a third believe (31%) that consumers do not know enough to ensure the food is cooked safely and would benefit from further education.

Andrew Large, chief executive of the British Poultry Council, said: “I’m not surprised that its Britain’s number one, poultry is a tasty, nutritious and versatile meat that represents great value for consumers. But it is important to prepare and cook poultry safely. Our research suggests there are some important gaps in consumers’ knowledge and it is vital that we support efforts to get the kitchen hygiene message across during Food Safety Week.”