What is processed meat?

It is simply where something has been done with the meat such as fermentation, curing, salting to preserve it or to change its texture or taste. It is where the meat product has been enhanced by some other additional process.

It can include beef, lamb, veal, pork and poultry.

Why has the WHO published the report?

The IARC was carrying out a formal review of meat, on behalf of the WHO, for the first time and examined some 800 studies during a meeting of 22 health experts in France earlier this month.

Who is the IARC?

It is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, its' main offices are in Lyon, France. Its independent experts collect and co-ordinate research into the causes of cancer.

Is processed meat as carcogenic as cigarettes?

No. The IARC classified both processed meat under "Group 1", which includes agents for which "there is convincing evidence" that they cause cancer. According to the IARC, its "classifications describe the strength of the scientific evidence about an agent being a cause of cancer, rather than assessing the level of risk". For example, smoking increases the likelihood of cancer by 600%. Consumption in excess of 50g of meat per day increases cancer risk by 18% according to the report.

Listen to more explanations from Irish Farmers Journal markets specialist Phelim O'Neill in the podcast below.

How are levels of processed meat considered dangerous?

Looking closer at the report, a 50-year-old man has 0.68% risk of getting colorectal cancer in next 10 years; eating processed meat increases it to 0.8%. The line that eating processed meat can increase the risk of cancer by 18% is correct, but only in that context.

I've heard before that fats were bad for me and now they're considered OK, will this study be debunked?

If we follow guidance provided by organisations like the Food Safety Authority, then beef, lamb and all red meats have an important role in a balanced diet, which will minimise exposure of consumers to cancer and other undesirable diseases.

What does this mean for meat farmers in Ireland now?

Judging by initial media reports in Ireland and in our main export market, the UK, the anecdotal evidence is that consumer behaviour hasn't been affected. It will take some time for sales and export figures to show if any change appears, though.

Read more

Clear heads not sensationalism needed in food debate

No definitive risk from red meat

WHO processed meat carcinogenic to humans