Protein Transition and Food Policies in Europe

Protein transition involves a shift in consumption from animal-to plant-based products, and it has become a dominant discourse in Western societies.However, how non-Western societies, including Japan, should respond to this new dietary paradigm remains unclear.This study presents a comprehensive review of protein transition policies in selected European countries, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom.It reveals that protein transition policies in Europe involve various guidelines that covers the entire food systems, extending from protein crop policies to research and innovation of alternative proteins, sustainable public catering, revision of dietary guidelines, and food education.However, the major policy orientation is to push the consumption of alternative proteins, leaving the fundamental controversy regarding the ethics of eating meat unresolved.Learning from Europe, a protein strategy at the national level needs to be developed in Japan, with some adaptation to fully embrace the complexity of protein transition.