In a true barbecue-stopper of a moment, the WHO delivered a contentious pronouncement Tuesday, declaring processed meat to be carcinogenic to humans.
Sufficient evidence in humans shows that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal #cancer https://t.co/Cg72nm9elq — WHO (@WHO) October 26, 2015
Placing processed meat in the same category as plutonium, the WHO said eating 50g (the equivalent of less than two slices of bacon) a day increased the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18%. In the same decree, issued by an IARC working group of 22 experts from 10 countries, the WHO said there was limited evidence that red meat was probably carcinogenic.
“These findings further support current public health recommendations to limit intake of meat” said IARC director Dr Christopher Wild.
‘We’d all be living in caves’: Barnaby Joyce scoffs at WHO meat advice https://t.co/U6nmpJsES9 pic.twitter.com/2LKBek7bpi — The Age (@theage) October 26, 2015
Here’s a list of the world’s biggest meat eaters and here’s WHO’s take on life expectancy https://t.co/JwuC2OGNh5 pic.twitter.com/BxdQZcjwni — Chris Uhlmann (@CUhlmann) October 27, 2015
#Bacon fans react on social media to WHO report linking processed meat to cancer https://t.co/xjdrDaGAQo#FreeBaconpic.twitter.com/Gv7TBOIwQT — ABC News (@abcnews) October 27, 2015
Meat vs smoking and #cancer risk. There’s a big difference between level of evidence and relative risk. #WHO pic.twitter.com/QYaEb69OLk — Dr Darren Saunders (@whereisdaz) October 26, 2015
But nutrition experts say there is merit to watching your meat intake.
No need to cut out all red meat but definitely worth cutting down. Australian guidelines recommend only 450g/week https://t.co/UDE6iUKOXu — Rosemary Stanton (@rosestant70) October 26, 2015
No surprise that processed meat causes cancer. ADG body of evidence on all foods & diet-related health outcomes at https://t.co/3qBoKO8B4C
— Amanda Lee (@_Amanda_J_Lee_) October 26, 2015
The meat industry has already come out swinging, as has Australia’s Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce (see above).Â
Why is @RadioNational asking the Agricultural Minister about important @WHO health recommendations rather than a health expert?. #evidence — Amanda Lee (@_Amanda_J_Lee_) October 26, 2015
Dietary advice must be based on the objective body of evidence- not the personal views of conflicted commentators with vested interests. — Amanda Lee (@_Amanda_J_Lee_) October 26, 2015
The perfect icebreaker for your next barbie, eh.
