Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 10/30/15


The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued a statement clarifying its position on the consumption of red and processed meat, first included in its report issued Monday.

“IARC’s review confirms the recommendation in WHO’s 2002 'Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases’ report, which advised people to moderate consumption of preserved meat to reduce the risk of cancer. The latest IARC review does not ask people to stop eating processed meats but indicates that reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer,” the statement said.

“WHO has a standing group of experts who regularly evaluate the links between diet and disease. Early next year they will meet to begin looking at the public health implications of the latest science and the place of processed meat and red meat within the context of an overall healthy diet.”

NAMI response
Meanwhile, the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) released a statement in response to the petition filed by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop distributing hot dogs and other processed meats to children through the National School Lunch Program.

NAMI said PCRM is “predictably seizing upon news about an International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) report as another tool to force meat off the plates of schoolchildren.

“Notably, PCRM’s petition predated a clarifying statement from the WHO,” NAMI said. “The statement seemed intent on clarifying that its review was not a risk assessment it was a hazard assessment. The distinction is nuanced, but important. Hazard assessments identify things that could ever, possibly, under some circumstance and at some level, cause a risk of cancer.

“IARC’s other hazard assessments have found sun and outdoor air to be Class I carcinogens. … We stand by nutrition benefits that meat — both fresh and processed — provide for growing children. … If PCRM members don’t want their children to eat fresh and processed meat at school, then their children can enjoy the vegetarian options that are always available, but don’t take away a food option that even WHO says can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.”

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