Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
7th International Antalya Scientific Research and Innovative Studies Congress, Antalya, Türkiye, 11 - 13 Mayıs 2024, ss.73
Introduction and Purpose: In recent years, many ethicists and philosophers who are experts in the field of contemporary food ethics have suggested that people’s opposition to intensive animal farming cannot force them to follow a vegan diet, on the contrary, they argue that it will pave the way for an omnivorous diet consisting of animals and plants. They developed these claims under the name of “new omnivorism” as an important challenge and alternative to the very strict rules of veganism. In this context, the “new omnivorism” approach, which is one of the new discussion topics within the scope of food ethics, was examined and compared with other diet types.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, a structured literature review was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the systematic review method, using the keywords “food ethics,” “new omnivorism/omnivores,” “veganism,” and “vegetarianism.”
Results: “New omnivorism/omnivores” argues that industrial agriculture involves physical harm to animals and that it is necessary to act in a way that minimizes the harm to animals in food production. Proponents of this approach argue that mechanical harvesting, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, field trapping and land clearing in agriculture cause suffering and death to rodents, fish and birds, and therefore arable agriculture and therefore plant-based nutrition are unethical in terms of animal ethics and welfare. New omnivores suggest eating large mammals, waste (roadkill, animal products in bins), and invertebrates (bivalves, insects) as sources of animal-based protein.
Discussion and Conclusion: The “new omnivorism” essentially contends that animal-based
diets are less harmful than plant-based diets, therefore the harm done to animals throughout
the food production process can be reduced by following a certain mixed diet that includes
both plant and animal protein. We hope that an ethical discussion will be useful in guiding
societies towards more equitable food production systems and ethical consumption behaviors