A petition has been launched calling on the UK Government to feature graphic images of slaughterhouses on meat packaging – in a similar style to those shown on cigarette packets.

Since 2008 cigarette packaging has shown shocking images to deter smokers – illustrating links to cancer and damage to the health of children, babies and the smoker.

A petition has been launched on the UK Parliament website, urging the Government to do the same for meat to force people consider their choices in more detail.

Harvey Nriapia, who launched the petition, wrote: “Pictures would be stark to illustrate the appalling conditions that animals live in; the effects on health of meat-eating; and the environmental toll that raising animals for meat has.”

In the likely event that the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the UK Government will respond to the petition. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Nriapia continued: “Packets of cigarettes after having adopted grotesque images of the effects of smoking in 2008 have reduced the number of smokers significantly in the UK.

“I am calling on the government to adopt a similar scheme with meat packaging in order to warn people about what they are eating.”

• Read: Australia’s meat-free brand raises $35 million to expand plant-based meat production in the country

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Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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