The study found inconclusive evidence to prove a link between processed meat and stomach cancer.
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The WHO said that the findings are vital to public health, but emphasized that red meat still has nutritional value.
Though processed meat is now in the same category as cigarettes and alcohol for causing cancer, World Health Organization experts claim it does not mean that they are equally unsafe.
The bottom line – this new report doesn’t mean you need to stop eating all red and processed meat. Red meat fared slightly better under the scrutiny, and was classified as a possible carcinogen that entails the same level of cancer risk as glyphosate, the active ingredient in many pesticides.
Researchers believe that while the meat is being processed, something causes the build up of carcinogenic chemicals, including N-nitroso-compounds (NOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the food.
Examples of processed meat include hot dogs, ham, sausages, corned beef, and beef jerky as well as canned meat and meat-based preparations and sauces.
The meat industry protested the classification, arguing that cancer isn’t caused by a specific food but also involves lifestyle and environmental factors.
You’re heard it before – cut out the processed meat for a healthier diet.
WHO has revealed that Bacon, sausages, and any such kind of processed meat is not good for health and can be responsible for cancer.
The WHO’s worldwide Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, researched this for years and put processed meats in the same danger category as smoking.
The consumption of meat varies greatly between countries, from a few per cent to up to 100% of people eating red meat, and somewhat lower proportions eating processed meat, the report said.
What’s more, the group says there’s evidence to suspect red meat, including beef, lamb and pork, “probably” causes colorectal cancer, as well.
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“It’s usually the high consumption of our red and processed meats. I think the risks are a bit overstated”, said Flodin. “So this is helping us look at those small changes we can make”, said Rachel Beck, dietitian with the Cerro Gordo Dept. of Public Health.
