Humane Foundation

Humans

The Human Cost

The Costs and Risks for Humans

The meat, dairy, and egg industries don’t just harm animals—they take a heavy toll on people, especially farmers, workers, and communities surrounding factory farms and slaughterhouses. This industry doesn’t just slaughter animals; it sacrifices human dignity, safety, and livelihoods in the process.

“A Kinder World Begins With Us.”

For Humans

Animal agriculture endangers human health, exploits workers, and pollutes communities. Embracing plant-based systems means safer food, cleaner environments, and a fairer future for all.

Humans September 2025

Silent Threat

Factory farming doesn’t just exploit animals—it silently harms us too. Its health risks grow more dangerous every day.

Key Facts:

  • Spread of zoonotic diseases (e.g., bird flu, swine flu, COVID-like outbreaks).
  • Overuse of antibiotics causing dangerous antibiotic resistance.
  • Higher risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity from overconsumption of meat.
  • Increased risk of food poisoning (e.g., salmonella, E. coli contamination).
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals, hormones, and pesticides through animal products.
  • Workers in factory farms often face mental trauma and unsafe conditions.
  • Rising healthcare costs due to diet-related chronic illnesses.

Human Health Risks from Factory Farming

Our Food System Is Broken – And It’s Hurting Everyone.

Behind the closed doors of factory farms and slaughterhouses, both animals and humans endure immense suffering. Forests are destroyed to create barren feedlots, while nearby communities are forced to live with toxic pollution and poisoned waterways. Powerful corporations exploit workers, farmers, and consumers—all while sacrificing the well-being of animals—for the sake of profit. The truth is undeniable: our current food system is broken and desperately needs change.

Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss, draining our planet’s most precious resources. Inside slaughterhouses, workers face harsh conditions, dangerous machinery, and high injury rates, all while being pushed to process terrified animals at relentless speeds.

This broken system also threatens human health. From antibiotic resistance and foodborne illnesses to the rise of zoonotic diseases, factory farms have become breeding grounds for the next global health crisis. Scientists warn that if we don’t change course, future pandemics could be even more devastating than what we’ve already seen.

It’s time to confront the reality and build a food system that protects animals, safeguards people, and respects the planet we all share.

Facts

400+ types

of toxic gases and 300+ million tons of manure are generated by factory farms, poisoning our air and water.

80%

of antibiotics globally are used in factory farmed animals, fueling antibiotic resistance.

1.6 billion tons

of grain are fed to livestock annually — enough to end global hunger multiple times over.

75%

of global agricultural land could be freed if the world adopted plant-based diets — unlocking an area the size of the United States, China, and the European Union combined.

The Issue

Workers, Farmers, and Communities

Workers, farmers, and surrounding communities face serious risks from industrial animal agriculture. This system threatens human health through infectious and chronic diseases, while environmental pollution and unsafe working conditions impact daily life and well-being.

The Hidden Emotional Toll on Slaughterhouse Workers: Living with Trauma and Pain

Imagine being forced to kill hundreds of animals every single day, fully aware that each one is terrified and in pain. For many slaughterhouse workers, this daily reality leaves deep psychological scars. They speak of relentless nightmares, overwhelming depression, and a growing sense of emotional numbness as a way to cope with the trauma. The sights of suffering animals, the piercing sounds of their cries, and the pervasive smell of blood and death stay with them long after they leave work.

Over time, this constant exposure to violence can erode their mental well-being, leaving them haunted and broken by the very job they rely on to survive.

The Invisible Dangers and Constant Threats Faced by Slaughterhouse and Factory Farm Workers

Workers in factory farms and slaughterhouses are exposed to harsh and hazardous conditions every single day. The air they breathe is thick with dust, animal dander, and toxic chemicals that can cause severe respiratory issues, persistent coughing, headaches, and long-term lung damage. These workers often have no choice but to operate in poorly ventilated, confined spaces, where the stench of blood and waste lingers constantly.

On the processing lines, they are required to handle sharp knives and heavy tools at an exhausting pace, all while navigating wet, slippery floors that increase the risk of falls and serious injuries. The relentless speed of the production lines leaves no room for error, and even a moment’s distraction can result in deep cuts, severed fingers, or life-changing accidents involving heavy machinery.

The Harsh Reality Faced by Immigrant and Refugee Workers in Factory Farms and Slaughterhouses

A large number of workers in factory farms and slaughterhouses are immigrants or refugees who, driven by urgent financial needs and limited opportunities, accept these demanding jobs out of desperation. They endure exhausting shifts with low pay and minimal protections, constantly under pressure to meet impossible demands. Many live in fear that raising concerns about unsafe conditions or unfair treatment could cost them their jobs—or even lead to deportation—leaving them powerless to improve their situation or fight for their rights.

The Silent Suffering of Communities Living in the Shadow of Factory Farms and Toxic Pollution

Families who live close to factory farms face ongoing problems and environmental dangers that affect many parts of their daily lives. The air around these farms often has high levels of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from large amounts of animal waste. Manure lagoons are not only unpleasant to look at, but they also carry a constant risk of overflowing, which can send polluted water into nearby rivers, streams, and groundwater. This pollution can reach local wells and drinking water, raising the risk of harmful bacteria exposure for whole communities.

Children in these areas are especially at risk for health problems, often developing asthma, chronic coughs, and other long-term breathing issues because of the polluted air. Adults often experience headaches, nausea, and irritated eyes from being exposed to these contaminants every day. Beyond physical health, the psychological toll of living under such conditions—where simply stepping outside means inhaling poisonous air—creates a sense of hopelessness and entrapment. For these families, factory farms represent an ongoing nightmare, a source of pollution and suffering that seems impossible to escape.

The Concern

Why Animals Products Harm

The Truth About Meat

You don’t need meat. Humans aren’t true carnivores, and even small amounts of meat can harm your health, with greater risks from higher consumption.

Heart health

Eating meat can raise cholesterol and blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is linked to saturated fats, animal protein, and haem iron found in meat. Research shows that both red and white meat raise cholesterol, while a meat-free diet does not. Processed meats increase the risk of heart disease and stroke even more. Cutting back on saturated fat, mostly found in meat, dairy, and eggs, can lower cholesterol and may even help reverse heart disease. People who follow vegan or whole-food plant-based diets tend to have much lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and their risk of heart disease is 25 to 57 per cent lower.

Type 2 Diabetes

Eating meat may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 74%. Research has found connections between red meat, processed meat, and poultry and the disease, mainly because of substances like saturated fats, animal protein, haem iron, sodium, nitrites, and nitrosamines. Although foods like high-fat dairy, eggs, and junk food can also play a role, meat stands out as a significant contributor to type 2 diabetes.

Cancer

Meat contains compounds linked to cancer, some naturally and others formed during cooking or processing. In 2015, WHO classified processed meat as carcinogenic and red meat as probably carcinogenic. Eating just 50g of processed meat daily raises bowel cancer risk by 18%, and 100g of red meat increases it by 17%. Studies also link meat to cancers of the stomach, lung, kidney, bladder, pancreas, thyroid, breast, and prostate.

Gout

Gout is a joint disease caused by uric acid crystal buildup, leading to painful flare-ups. Uric acid forms when purines—abundant in red and organ meats (liver, kidneys) and certain fish (anchovies, sardines, trout, tuna, mussels, scallops)—are broken down. Alcohol and sugary drinks also raise uric acid levels. Daily meat consumption, especially red and organ meats, greatly increases gout risk.

Obesity

Obesity raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, gallstones, and some cancers while weakening the immune system. Studies show heavy meat eaters are far more likely to be obese. Data from 170 countries linked meat intake directly to weight gain—comparable to sugar—due to its saturated fat content and excess protein being stored as fat.

Bone and kidney health

Eating a lot of meat can put extra stress on your kidneys and may weaken your bones. This happens because certain amino acids in animal protein create acid as they break down. If you do not get enough calcium, your body takes it from your bones to balance out this acid. People with kidney problems are especially at risk, as too much meat can make bone and muscle loss worse. Choosing more unprocessed plant foods may help protect your health.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning, often from contaminated meat, poultry, eggs, fish, or dairy, can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and dizziness. It occurs when food is infected by bacteria, viruses, or toxins—often due to improper cooking, storage, or handling. Most plant foods don’t naturally carry these pathogens; when they do cause food poisoning, it’s usually from contamination with animal waste or poor hygiene.

Antibiotic resistance

Many large-scale animal farms use antibiotics to keep animals healthy and help them grow faster. However, using antibiotics so often can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, sometimes called superbugs. These bacteria can cause infections that are very hard or even impossible to treat, and in some cases, can be deadly. The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming is well-documented, and reducing animal product consumption—ideally adopting a vegan diet—can help curb this growing threat.

References
  1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)- Red meat and the risk of heart disease
    https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/red-meat-and-the-risk-of-heart-disease#:~:text=New%20research%20supported%20by%20NIH,diet%20rich%20in%20red%20meat.
  2. Al-Shaar L, Satija A, Wang DD et al. 2020. Red meat intake and risk of coronary heart disease among US men: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 371:m4141.
  3. Bradbury KE, Crowe FL, Appleby PN et al. 2014. Serum concentrations of cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B in a total of 1694 meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 68 (2) 178-183.
  4. Chiu THT, Chang HR, Wang LY, et al. 2020. Vegetarian diet and incidence of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke in 2 cohorts in Taiwan. Neurology. 94(11):e1112-e1121.
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  7. Salas-Salvadó J, Becerra-Tomás N, Papandreou C, Bulló M. 2019. Dietary Patterns Emphasizing the Consumption of Plant Foods in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review. Advances in Nutrition. 10 (Suppl_4) S320\S331.
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  9. Bouvard V, Loomis D, Guyton KZ et al., International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group. 2015. Carcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meat. The Lancet Oncology. 16(16) 1599-600.
  10. Cheng T, Lam AK, Gopalan V. 2021. Diet derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and its pathogenic roles in colorectal carcinogenesis. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 168:103522.
  11. John EM, Stern MC, Sinha R and Koo J. 2011. Meat consumption, cooking practices, meat mutagens, and risk of prostate cancer. Nutrition and Cancer. 63 (4) 525-537.
  12. Xue XJ, Gao Q, Qiao JH et al. 2014. Red and processed meat consumption and the risk of lung cancer: a doseresponse meta-analysis of 33 published studies. International Journal of Clinical Experimental Medicine. 7 (6) 1542-1553.
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  14. Li R, Yu K, Li C. 2018. Dietary factors and risk of gout and hyperuricemia: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 27(6):1344-1356.
  15. Huang RY, Huang CC, Hu FB, Chavarro JE. 2016. Vegetarian Diets and Weight Reduction: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 31(1):109-16.
  16. Le LT, Sabaté J. 2014. Beyond meatless, the health effects of vegan diets: findings from the Adventist cohorts. Nutrients. 6(6):2131-2147.
  17. Schlesinger S, Neuenschwander M, Schwedhelm C et al. 2019. Food Groups and Risk of Overweight, Obesity, and Weight Gain: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. Advances in Nutrition. 10(2):205-218.
  18. Dargent-Molina P, Sabia S, Touvier M et al. 2008. Proteins, dietary acid load, and calcium and risk of postmenopausal fractures in the E3N French women prospective study. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 23 (12) 1915-1922.
  19. Brown HL, Reuter M, Salt LJ et al. 2014. Chicken juice enhances surface attachment and biofilm formation of Campylobacter jejuni. Applied Environmental Microbiology. 80 (22) 7053–7060.
  20. Chlebicz A, Śliżewska K. 2018. Campylobacteriosis, Salmonellosis, Yersiniosis, and Listeriosis as Zoonotic Foodborne Diseases: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15 (5) 863.
  21. Antibiotic Research UK. 2019. About Antibiotic Resistance. Available at:
    www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/about-antibiotic-resistance/
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Cow’s milk isn’t meant for humans. Drinking another species’ milk is unnatural, unnecessary, and can seriously harm your health.

Milk drinking and lactose intolerance

Around 70% of adults worldwide cannot digest lactose, the sugar in milk, because our ability to process it usually fades after childhood. This is natural—humans are designed to consume only breastmilk as babies. Genetic mutations in some European, Asian, and African populations allow a minority to tolerate milk in adulthood, but for most people, especially in Asia, Africa, and South America, dairy causes digestive problems and other health issues. Even infants should never consume cow’s milk, as its composition can harm their kidneys and overall health.

Hormones in cow’s milk

Cows are milked even during pregnancy, making their milk loaded with natural hormones—around 35 in every glass. These growth and sex hormones, meant for calves, are linked to cancer in humans. Drinking cow’s milk not only introduces these hormones into your body but also triggers your own production of IGF-1, a hormone strongly associated with cancer.

Pus in Milk

Cows with mastitis, a painful udder infection, release white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria into their milk—known as somatic cells. The worse the infection, the higher their presence. Essentially, this “somatic cell” content is pus mixed into the milk you drink.

Dairy and Acne

Studies show that milk and dairy significantly raise the risk of acne—one found a 41% increase with just one glass daily. Bodybuilders using whey protein often suffer from acne, which improves when they stop. Milk boosts hormone levels that overstimulate the skin, leading to acne.

Milk Allergy

Unlike lactose intolerance, cow’s milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins, mostly affecting babies and young children. Symptoms can include a runny nose, coughing, rashes, vomiting, stomach pain, eczema, and asthma. Kids with this allergy are more likely to develop asthma, and sometimes asthma continues even after the allergy gets better. Staying away from dairy can help these children feel healthier.

Milk and Bone Health

Milk is not essential for strong bones. A well-planned vegan diet provides all key nutrients for bone health—protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, K, and folate. Everyone should take vitamin D supplements unless they get enough year-round sun. Research shows plant protein supports bones better than animal protein, which increases body acidity. Physical activity is also crucial, as bones need stimulation to grow stronger.

Cancer

Milk and dairy products may raise the risk of several cancers, especially prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. A Harvard study of over 200,000 people found that each half-serving of whole milk increased cancer mortality risk by 11%, with the strongest links to ovarian and prostate cancers. Research shows milk raises IGF-1 (a growth factor) levels in the body, which can stimulate prostate cells and promote cancer growth. Milk’s IGF-1 and natural hormones like oestrogens may also trigger or fuel hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

Crohn’s Disease and Dairy

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, incurable inflammation of the digestive system that requires a strict diet and can lead to complications. It’s linked to dairy through the MAP bacterium, which causes disease in cattle and survives pasteurisation, contaminating cows’ and goat’s milk. People can get infected by consuming dairy or inhaling contaminated water spray. While MAP doesn’t cause Crohn’s in everyone, it may trigger the disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood when the body produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed for cells to absorb sugar and produce energy. Without insulin, blood sugar rises, leading to serious health issues like heart disease and nerve damage. In genetically susceptible children, drinking cow’s milk may trigger an autoimmune reaction. The immune system attacks milk proteins—and possibly bacteria like MAP found in pasteurised milk—and mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This reaction can increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, but it doesn’t affect everyone.

Heart Disease

Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), is caused by fat buildup inside arteries, narrowing and hardening them (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow to the heart, brain, or body. High blood cholesterol is the main culprit, forming these fat plaques. Narrow arteries also raise blood pressure, often the first warning sign. Foods like butter, cream, whole milk, high-fat cheese, dairy desserts, and all meat are high in saturated fat, which raises blood cholesterol. Eating them daily forces your body to produce excess cholesterol.

References
  1. Bayless TM, Brown E, Paige DM. 2017. Lactase Non-persistence and Lactose Intolerance. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 19(5): 23.
  2. Allen NE, Appleby PN, Davey GK et al. 2000. Hormones and diet: low insulin-like growth factor-I but normal bioavailable androgens in vegan men. British Journal of Cancer. 83 (1) 95-97.
  3. Allen NE, Appleby PN, Davey GK et al. 2002. The associations of diet with serum insulin-like growth factor I and its main binding proteins in 292 women meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. 11 (11) 1441-1448.
  4. Aghasi M, Golzarand M, Shab-Bidar S et al. 2019. Dairy intake and acne development: A meta-analysis of observational studies. Clinical Nutrition. 38 (3) 1067-1075.
  5. Penso L, Touvier M, Deschasaux M et al. 2020. Association Between Adult Acne and Dietary Behaviors: Findings From the NutriNet-Santé Prospective Cohort Study. JAMA Dermatology. 156 (8): 854-862.
  6. BDA. 2021. Milk allergy: Food Fact Sheet. Available from:
    https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/milk-allergy.html
    [Accessed 20 December 2021]
  7. Wallace TC, Bailey RL, Lappe J et al. 2021. Dairy intake and bone health across the lifespan: a systematic review and expert narrative. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 61 (21) 3661-3707.
  8. Barrubés L, Babio N, Becerra-Tomás N et al. 2019. Association Between Dairy Product Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies. Advances in Nutrition. 10(suppl_2):S190-S211. Erratum in: Adv Nutr. 2020 Jul 1;11(4):1055-1057.
  9. Ding M, Li J, Qi L et al. 2019. Associations of dairy intake with risk of mortality in women and men: three prospective cohort studies. British Medical Journal. 367:l6204.
  10. Harrison S, Lennon R, Holly J et al. 2017. Does milk intake promote prostate cancer initiation or progression via effects on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs)? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Causes and Control. 28(6):497-528.
  11. Chen Z, Zuurmond MG, van der Schaft N et al. 2018. Plant versus animal based diets and insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: the Rotterdam Study. European Journal of Epidemiology. 33(9):883-893.
  12. Bradbury KE, Crowe FL, Appleby PN et al. 2014. Serum concentrations of cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B in a total of 1694 meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 68 (2) 178-183.
  13. Bergeron N, Chiu S, Williams PT et al. 2019. Effects of red meat, white meat, and nonmeat protein sources on atherogenic lipoprotein measures in the context of low compared with high saturated fat intake: a randomized controlled trial [published correction appears in Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Sep 1;110(3):783]. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 110 (1) 24-33.
  14. Borin JF, Knight J, Holmes RP et al. 2021. Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Risk Factors for Kidney Stones and Chronic Kidney Disease. Journal of Renal Nutrition. S1051-2276 (21) 00093-5.

Eggs are not as healthy as often claimed. Studies link them to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Skipping eggs is a simple step for better health.

Heart Disease and Eggs

Heart disease, often called cardiovascular disease, is caused by fatty deposits (plaques) clogging and narrowing arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and risks like heart attack or stroke. High blood cholesterol is a key factor, and the body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Eggs are high in cholesterol (about 187 mg per egg), which may raise blood cholesterol, especially when eaten with saturated fats like bacon or cream. Eggs are also rich in choline, which can produce TMAO – a compound linked to plaque build-up and increased heart disease risk. Research shows that regular egg consumption may raise the risk of heart disease by up to 75%.

Eggs and Cancer

Research suggests that frequent egg consumption may contribute to the development of hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. The high cholesterol and choline content in eggs can promote hormone activity and provide building blocks that may accelerate the growth of cancerous cells.

Type 2 Diabetes

Research suggests that having an egg each day may almost double your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol in eggs can affect how your body manages blood sugar by lowering insulin production and sensitivity. On the other hand, plant-based diets tend to lower diabetes risk because they are low in saturated fat, high in fibre, and full of nutrients that help control blood sugar and support overall health.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a frequent cause of food poisoning, and some strains are resistant to antibiotics. It usually causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Most people get better within a few days, but it can be dangerous for those who are more vulnerable. The bacteria often come from poultry farms and are found in raw or undercooked eggs and egg products. Cooking food thoroughly kills Salmonella, but it is also important to avoid cross-contamination when preparing food.

References
  1. Appleby PN, Key TJ. 2016. The Long-Term Health of Vegetarians and Vegans. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 75 (3) 287-293.
  2. Bradbury KE, Crowe FL, Appleby PN et al. 2014. Serum concentrations of cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I and apolipoprotein B in a total of 1694 meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 68 (2) 178-183.
  3. Ruggiero E, Di Castelnuovo A, Costanzo S et al. Moli-sani Study Investigators. 2021. Egg consumption and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in an Italian adult population. European Journal of Nutrition. 60 (7) 3691-3702.
  4. Zhuang P, Wu F, Mao L et al. 2021. Egg and cholesterol consumption and mortality from cardiovascular and different causes in the United States: A population-based cohort study. PLoS Medicine. 18 (2) e1003508.
  5. Pirozzo S, Purdie D, Kuiper-Linley M et al. 2002. Ovarian cancer, cholesterol, and eggs: a case-control analysis. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 11 (10 Pt 1) 1112-1114.
  6. Chen Z, Zuurmond MG, van der Schaft N et al. 2018. Plant versus animal based diets and insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: the Rotterdam Study. European Journal of Epidemiology. 33(9):883-893.
  7. Mazidi M, Katsiki N, Mikhailidis DP et al. 2019. Egg Consumption and Risk of Total and Cause-Specific Mortality: An Individual-Based Cohort Study and Pooling Prospective Studies on Behalf of the Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 38 (6) 552-563.
  8. Cardoso MJ, Nicolau AI, Borda D et al. 2021. Salmonella in eggs: From shopping to consumption-A review providing an evidence-based analysis of risk factors. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 20 (3) 2716-2741.

Fish is often seen as healthy, but pollution makes many fish unsafe to eat. Fish oil supplements don’t reliably prevent heart disease and may contain contaminants. Choosing plant-based options is better for your health and the planet.

Toxins in Fish

Oceans, rivers, and lakes worldwide are polluted with chemicals and heavy metals like mercury, which accumulate in fish fat, especially oily fish. These toxins, including hormone-disrupting chemicals, can harm your reproductive, nervous, and immune systems, increase cancer risk, and affect child development. Cooking fish kills some bacteria but creates harmful compounds (PAHs) that may cause cancer, especially in fatty fish like salmon and tuna. Experts warn children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those planning pregnancy to avoid certain fish (shark, swordfish, marlin) and limit oily fish to two servings a week due to pollutants. Farmed fish often have even higher toxin levels than wild fish. There’s no truly safe fish to eat, so the healthiest choice is to avoid fish altogether.

Fish Oil Myths

Fish, especially oily types like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are praised for their omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). While omega-3s are essential and must come from our diet, fish aren’t the only or best source. Fish get their omega-3s by eating microalgae, and algal omega-3 supplements offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to fish oil. Despite popular belief, fish oil supplements only slightly reduce the risk of major heart events and don’t prevent heart disease. Alarmingly, high doses may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), while plant-based omega-3s actually reduce this risk.

Fish Farming and Antibiotic Resistance

Fish farming involves raising large numbers of fish in crowded, stressful conditions that encourage disease. To control infections, fish farms use a lot of antibiotics. These drugs can enter nearby water and help create antibiotic-resistant bacteria, sometimes called superbugs. Superbugs make it harder to treat common infections and are a serious health risk. For instance, tetracycline is used in both fish farming and human medicine, but as resistance spreads, it may not work as well, which could have major health effects around the world.

Gout and Diet

Gout is a painful joint condition caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals, leading to inflammation and intense pain during flare-ups. Uric acid forms when the body breaks down purines, found in high amounts in red meat, organ meats (like liver and kidneys), and certain seafood such as anchovies, sardines, trout, tuna, mussels, and scallops. Research shows that consuming seafood, red meat, alcohol, and fructose increases gout risk, while eating soy, pulses (peas, beans, lentils), and drinking coffee can lower it.

Food Poisoning from Fish and Shellfish

Fish sometimes carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can lead to food poisoning. Even thorough cooking may not fully prevent illness, as raw fish can contaminate kitchen surfaces. Pregnant women, babies, and children should avoid raw shellfish such as mussels, clams, and oysters because the risk of food poisoning is higher. Shellfish, whether raw or cooked, may also have toxins that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, or trouble breathing.

References
  1. Sahin S, Ulusoy HI, Alemdar S et al. 2020. The Presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Grilled Beef, Chicken and Fish by Considering Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment. Food Science of Animal Resources. 40 (5) 675-688.
  2. Rose M, Fernandes A, Mortimer D, Baskaran C. 2015. Contamination of fish in UK fresh water systems: risk assessment for human consumption. Chemosphere. 122:183-189.
  3. Rodríguez-Hernández Á, Camacho M, Henríquez-Hernández LA et al. 2017. Comparative study of the intake of toxic persistent and semi persistent pollutants through the consumption of fish and seafood from two modes of production (wild-caught and farmed). Science of the Total Environment. 575:919-931.
  4. Zhuang P, Wu F, Mao L et al. 2021. Egg and cholesterol consumption and mortality from cardiovascular and different causes in the United States: A population-based cohort study. PLoS Medicine. 18 (2) e1003508.
  5. Le LT, Sabaté J. 2014. Beyond meatless, the health effects of vegan diets: findings from the Adventist cohorts. Nutrients. 6 (6) 2131-2147.
  6. Gencer B, Djousse L, Al-Ramady OT et al. 2021. Effect of Long-Term Marine ɷ-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Randomized Controlled Trials of Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Circulation. 144 (25) 1981-1990.
  7. Done HY, Venkatesan AK, Halden RU. 2015. Does the Recent Growth of Aquaculture Create Antibiotic Resistance Threats Different from those Associated with Land Animal Production in Agriculture? AAPS Journal. 17(3):513-24.
  8. Love DC, Rodman S, Neff RA, Nachman KE. 2011. Veterinary drug residues in seafood inspected by the European Union, United States, Canada, and Japan from 2000 to 2009. Environmental Science and Technology. 45(17):7232-40.
  9. Maloberti A, Biolcati M, Ruzzenenti G et al. 2021. The Role of Uric Acid in Acute and Chronic Coronary Syndromes. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 10(20):4750.

Global Health Threats from Animal Agriculture

Antibiotic Resistance

In animal farming, antibiotics are often used to treat infections, boost growth, and prevent disease. Their overuse creates antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” which can spread to humans through contaminated meat, animal contact, or the environment.

Key impacts:

Common infections like urinary tract infections or pneumonia become much harder—or even impossible—to treat.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antibiotic resistance one of the biggest global health threats of our time.

Critical antibiotics, such as tetracyclines or penicillin, may lose their effectiveness, turning once-curable illnesses into deadly threats.

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are infections passed from animals to humans. Crowded industrial farming encourages the spread of pathogens, with viruses like bird flu, swine flu, and coronaviruses causing major health crises.

Key impacts:

Around 60% of all infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, with factory farming being a significant contributor.

Close human contact with farm animals, along with poor hygiene and biosecurity measures, increases the risk of new, potentially deadly diseases.

Global pandemics like COVID-19 highlight how easily animal-to-human transmission can disrupt health systems and economies worldwide.

Pandemics

Pandemics often stem from animal farming, where close human-animal contact and unsanitary, dense conditions allow viruses and bacteria to mutate and spread, raising the risk of global outbreaks.

Key impacts:

Past pandemics, such as H1N1 swine flu (2009) and certain strains of avian influenza, are directly linked to factory farming.

The genetic mixing of viruses in animals can create new, highly infectious strains capable of spreading to humans.

Globalized food and animal trade accelerates the spread of emerging pathogens, making containment difficult.

World Hunger

An Unjust Food System

Today, one in nine people around the world face hunger and malnutrition, yet almost one-third of the crops we grow are used to feed farmed animals instead of people. This system is not only inefficient but also deeply unjust. If we removed this ‘middleman’ and consumed these crops directly, we could feed an additional four billion people — far more than enough to ensure that no one goes hungry for generations to come.

The way we view outdated technologies, such as old gas-guzzling cars, has changed over time — we now see them as symbols of waste and environmental harm. How long before we start seeing livestock farming in the same way? A system that consumes immense amounts of land, water, and crops, only to give back a fraction of the nutrition, while millions go hungry, cannot be seen as anything but a failure. We have the power to change this narrative — to build a food system that values efficiency, compassion, and sustainability over waste and suffering.

How Hunger Shapes Our World...

— and how changing food systems can change lives.

Access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right, but current food systems often prioritise profit over people. Addressing world hunger requires transforming these systems, reducing food waste, and adopting solutions that protect both communities and the planet.

A Lifestyle That Shapes a Better Future

Living a conscious lifestyle means making choices that support health, sustainability, and compassion. Every decision we make, from the food we eat to the products we use, affects our well-being and the future of our planet. Choosing a plant-based lifestyle is not about giving things up; it is about building a stronger connection to nature, improving our health, and helping animals and the environment.

Small, mindful changes in daily habits, like choosing cruelty-free products, reducing waste, and supporting ethical businesses, can inspire others and create a positive ripple effect. Living with kindness and awareness leads to better health, a balanced mind, and a more harmonious world.

Nutrition for a Healthier Future

Good nutrition is key to living a healthy, energetic life. Eating a balanced diet that focuses on plants gives your body the nutrients it needs and helps lower the risk of chronic illnesses. While animal-based foods have been connected to health problems like heart disease and diabetes, plant-based foods are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre that help keep you strong. Choosing healthy, sustainable foods supports your own well-being and also helps protect the environment for future generations.

Strength Fueled by Plants

Vegan athletes around the world are proving that peak performance doesn’t depend on animal products. Plant-based diets provide all the protein, energy, and recovery nutrients needed for strength, endurance, and agility. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, plant foods help reduce recovery time, boost stamina, and support long-term health — without compromising performance.

Raising Compassionate Generations

A vegan family chooses a way of living that focuses on kindness, health, and caring for the planet. When families eat plant-based foods, they can give their children the nutrition they need to grow and stay healthy. This lifestyle also helps teach kids to be empathetic and respectful toward all living things. By making healthy meals and adopting eco-friendly habits, vegan families help create a more caring and hopeful future.

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