Horse meat has been a controversial topic in Canada, particularly when it comes to eating it. For many Canadians, the thought of eating horse meat is repulsive and taboo, while others are more accepting of the idea. Despite the controversies surrounding it, the answer to the question “Do Canadians eat horse meat?” is yes.
History of Horse Meat in Canada
Horse meat has been consumed in Canada for centuries, with Indigenous Peoples hunting and eating wild horses. In the 19th century, horse meat became more widely accepted and was commonly sold in public markets. During World War II, the consumption of horse meat increased as beef and pork were rationed.
Modern Consumption of Horse Meat
Today, horse meat is still consumed in Canada, though not as widely as it once was. According to Statistics Canada, horse meat accounted for just 0.1% of total meat consumption in 2018. While the majority of horse meat consumed in Canada is imported, there are a small number of horse slaughterhouses in the country that supply a portion of the meat.
Reasons to Consume Horse Meat
There are a number of reasons why some Canadians choose to consume horse meat. For many, it is a source of affordable protein and an alternative to more expensive cuts of beef. Horse meat is also seen as a viable option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as it is a source of iron and other essential nutrients.
Reasons Not to Consume Horse Meat
Despite its nutritional value, there are many reasons why some Canadians choose not to consume horse meat. For many, it is a cultural taboo and is seen as cruel and inhumane. There are also concerns about the potential for horses to be treated cruelly in slaughterhouses and the use of drugs and hormones that can be passed on to humans through the meat.
Horse Meat Labeling
In Canada, horse meat must be clearly labeled as such in the marketplace. If it is not labeled, it must be labeled as “meat” or “meat product” to ensure consumers are aware of what they are purchasing.
Legality of Horse Meat
The production and consumption of horse meat is legal in Canada and is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). There are strict guidelines in place to ensure that horse meat is safe for human consumption and that all animals are treated humanely.
Horse Meat in Popular Culture
Horse meat has become a popular topic in Canadian culture, particularly in the media. While some coverage is critical of the industry, others have portrayed it in a more positive light. For example, the film The Horse Boys tells the story of a group of young boys who ride horses to a nearby town to buy horse meat to feed their family.
Horse Meat Alternatives
For those who are unwilling to consume horse meat, there are a number of alternatives available. Alternatives such as rabbit, venison and bison are becoming increasingly popular in Canada and are seen as a healthier and more humane option than horse meat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Do Canadians eat horse meat?” is yes. While the majority of Canadians do not consume horse meat, it is still a part of the Canadian food landscape and is consumed by some. Whether or not you choose to consume horse meat is a personal decision and one that must be weighed carefully. For those who are unwilling to consume horse meat, there are a number of alternatives available.
Horse meat has been a controversial topic in Canada, with many Canadians finding the thought of eating it repulsive and taboo. Despite this, it is legal and still consumed in Canada, though not as widely as it once was. There are a number of reasons why some Canadians choose to consume horse meat, as well as reasons why they choose not to. Horse meat must be clearly labeled in the marketplace, and alternatives such as rabbit, venison and bison are becoming increasingly popular.