BEEF still represents one of the best value sources of nutrition, even as prices rise 30 per cent in the past six months, according to leading dieticians.
Prominent nutritionist Nicole Senior said beef was still "excellent nutritional bang for your buck".
"It's a nutrient-dense food - one of the best sources of bio-available iron. It provides vitamin B12 and the most long chain omega-3 fats in our diets after fish," she said.
Red meat provides 30 per cent of iron and half the zinc requirements in typical Australian diets, she said.
Chairman of the Australian Meat Industry Council's national retail council Ray Kelso, Brisbane, said butchers should do more to promote beef's nutritional benefits.
One kilogram of mince could feed six people and few foods could match its protein, vitamins and minerals content, Mr Kelso said.
Farmers needed to step up to ensure the domestic beef market was looked after as cattle supply dwindled and put pressure on retail beef prices.
"Past experience has taught us that once consumers make the shift away from beef it's very hard to win them back," Mr Kelso said.
Shan Goodwin
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
