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The objective of this paper is to explore the theoretical implications of a meat demand model with rational habit formation. The impact of food safety information on meat consumption is systematically analyzed. Important differences between myopic habits and rational habits are underscored. Both the adjustment path to the new equilibrium and new level of consumption are affected by consumers' perceptions of changes in meat quality. The analysis has implications for empirical demand estimation by incorporating consumers' expectations and use of event dummy variables rather than index measures of food safety.