SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF PLANT-BASED ANALOGS OF ANIMAL FOODS

In recent years, discussions involving the repercussions of maintaining conventional food systems on environmental, ethical, and health issues have intensified, especially in the face of encouragement to replace animal-derived products with plant-based analogs. In this context, this article analyzes food systems from the perspective of plant-based analogs of animal-derived foods, looking at the interrelationships that impact environmental sustainability. So far, it can be said that reducing the consumption of animal products and replacing them with plant-based products raises expectations of changing paths toward more sustainable models, and is seen as a fundamental strategy for reducing the negative impacts on the environment caused by extensive animal production, as well as contributing to the population's food and nutritional security, although it should be pointed out that numerous aspects such as ways of obtaining, processing, presenting, accessing and providing information must be considered if this strategy is to be effective and bring benefits to all those involved. In addition, improving the technologies for obtaining these products in an environmentally friendly way is increasingly necessary to make real gains in sustainability.