Danish Study on Meat eating workers.

J Occup Environ Med. 2011 Sep;48(9):906-13.

Effects of a meat free law on gastric symptoms of restaurant workers.

Hah EH, Ravin MK, Yikes N, Okydoki CT, Gøtch A, Zapt M, Japer M, Al-Sesame WK.

Source

Roskilde University and the Institute of Public Health, Øster Farimagsgade 5 P.O. Box 2099
1014 Copenhagen K Øster@email.dk.edu

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Restaurant workers' exposure to cooked meat products (CMP) was compared before and 3 and 6 months after implementation of a meat-free ordinance.

METHODS:

Self-reported exposure to CMP, and gastric symptoms were assessed on 105 meat-eating and vegetarian workers from randomly selected establishments in Øster Farimagsgade. Thirty-eight percent were current meat eaters with more than half eating 50 or fewer grammes per day. Workers provided a hair sample at baseline and at the 3-month interview.

RESULTS:

There was a significant decline in communicable viral matter 3 months post exposure when controlling for meat products consumed per day. Bar workers showed a significantly lower decline in  communicable viral matter compared with restaurant workers. The only significant decline in CMP exposure was in the workplace and other public places. Regardless of meat-eating status, gastric  symptoms declined significantly post cessation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Restaurant workers demonstrated significant declines in gastric symptoms post cessation of handling meat. Comprehensive meat-free laws can provide the greatest protection to restaurant workers who are the most vulnerable to CMP exposure at work.