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The meat industry has had an initial read of the WCRF report and is making the following points to any enquiries on the subject:
- Average red meat consumption in the UK is already at similar levels to those recommended in the report. So there is no need for most people to change their meat eating behaviour.
- We're surprised at the recommendation that people shouldn't eat ham and bacon.
- Ham and bacon do contain nitrites and nitrates - which are used to preserve meat - but they account for a tiny amount of our total intake of these substances, ie around 2%.
- Despite that, we have been working hard with government to reduce levels of nitrates and salt for a number of years.
- At this stage, the Food Standards Agency advice regarding consumption of processed meat, which is based on scientific evidence, remains unchanged – that is some processed meat can be eaten as part of a healthy balanced diet.
- The WCRF recommendation on red and processed meat is just one of ten overall.
- The key finding of the report is that maintaining a healthy weight is the best way of reducing the risk of cancer.
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