Survey: Slovaks eat less meat and drink less milk

Slovaks eat less meat and drink less milk compared to 20 years ago, while the consumption of cereals, salt and sugar is also falling, as shown by a recent analysis made by the Slovak Farmers' Cooperative (SFD). Meat consumption has dropped by 6 kilograms (kg), or 9.2 percent over the past 20 years. The consumption of beef and veal has fallen most significantly, namely by 7 kg. "Conversely, Slovaks have more poultry on their plates than 20 years ago as its consumption per capita was higher by 2.6 kg in the analysed period," said cooperative's analyst Eva Sadovská. The average Slovak consumed 45.1 litres (l) of milk last year, which is less than in 1996 by about one third. A significant rise was recorded in interest in pasta and durable baked goods. Slovaks also eat a little more vegetables than in the past, but the consumption of fruit has decreased. "The annual consumption of vegetables per inhabitant is less than 85 percent of the recommended dose, and even less than two-thirds of fruit," added Sadovská. Based on the survey, Slovaks also sweeten less with sugar but more with honey compared to 1996. They also add less salt and drink more coffee.