Legal or Not, Will Americans Ever Buy Horse Meat?

The question remains, however: Would Americans ever again be interested in eating horse meat? Duquette claims domestic demand does exist. ”We’ve been contacted by so many people that want horse meat as soon as it’s available,” says Duquette. “I think there’s a small group of people that might be outraged. But there’s plenty of demand, and plenty of demand overseas.”

It’s true that a number of European countries eat horse meat regularly and would likely buy American exports of the product. But a recent poll commissioned by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 80% of Americans oppose the slaughter of horses for human consumption.

And ultimately it’s hard to see Americans in large numbers overcoming their disinclination to eat a species that plays such an important role in the mythology of their country — and in their personal lives. As food historian Smith puts it: “What’s wrong with eating cats and dogs? Well, they’re members of our family. And that’s how many people feel about horses.”

Read more: http://business.time.com/2013/03/01/legal-or-not-will-americans-ever-buy-horse-meat/#ixzz2TboFp6zn

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