Human domestication of animals for food is prehistoric. Traditionally, vegetarian societies abstained from meat out of necessity rather than choice. Meat has often been a sign of status and wealth in society. With the increased industrialization of animal breeding, meat has become affordable for everyone. Vast consumer demand and savage market pressures have driven producers to drastic measures of cost reduction which have resulted in cruelty to animals and endangerment to human health. Consumers are finally taking a closer look at the brutality of industrialized meat production and many are now questioning the morality of it all.

The morality issue is not a new one and it is more than questioning the necessity of killing animals for food. The vegetarian movement has long pointed out that all necessary nutrients can be obtained from other sources. Another argument is that the raising of animals for food is a wasteful way to use land. Raising one kilo of meat requires up to 10 kilos of grain daily which could, at least theoretically, fill a lot of hungry mouths. Yet now more than ever, it is the modern methods of industrial animal husbandry that are being questioned.

The fact is, that despite scandals and the morality question people will continue to eat meat. It is a part of our civilization and our diets have included meat for thousands of years. Nevertheless it is high time that we reassess our treatment of other living beings. Being an intelligent consumer used to mean price- and nutrition-conscious shopping. Today it is important to take a close critical look at origin, quality, health, and yes - morality if we are to shop intelligently. Domestic animals have accompanied us throughout the ages and deserve our respect. Our own health and our integrity are at stake. Our behavior as consumers should not support methods of procuring food that are scandalously disgraceful.