November 2, 2007

 

Pork groups fight study linking cancer to red meats

 

 

Pork and meat organisations worldwide are up in arms over a study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) which suggested that red meat consumption should be limited to prevent cancer.

 

The 6-year study, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer, researched from more than 7,000 scientific publications worldwide and was launched recently. The WCRF claimed it is the largest and most elaborate research on cancer prevention ever.

 

Based on the research, a panel of experts drew up a list of measures on cancer prevention, one of which was to cut down the weekly intake of 'red meat' ( defined as beef, pork, mutton or goat meat) to a maximum of 300 grammes .

 

The panel also recommended avoiding processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausage and lunchmeat.

 

In a press release from the National Pork Board (NPB), Ceci Snyder, a registered dietician and assistant vice president of consumer marketing for the Pork Checkoff, said consumers should continue to feel good about consuming processed meat as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.

 

The reports' findings were misleading as the published data do not support the conclusions, she said.

 

While she concedes there are scientific studies suggesting a potential relationship between meat and cancer, they are not supportive of a consistent or causal link. In other words, they do not show conclusively that eating red meats results in cancer.

 

She continued, "stating a conclusive link is misleading and detracts from the significantly greater risks associated with other lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity."

 

She said the study oversimplifies cancer prevention to just the diet aspect.

 

Processed pork fits into established nutrition guidelines, including the US Dietary Guidelines, which recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity and an average of 5.5 ounces from the Meat and Beans Group daily, she said.

 

The NPB also quoted Dr Maureen Storey, of the University of Maryland's Center for Food Nutrition, and Agriculture Policy as saying that the report shows stronger links between obesity and lack of physical activity to cancer rather than red meats, which should have been the message that should have gotten across.

 

It is important for everyone to remember to eat a variety of foods in moderation and to get more physical activity, she added.

 

The Dutch Product Boards for Livestock, Meat and Eggs (PVE) also questioned the study, with a spokesman saying that the meat and livestock sector's image could be harmed if the subject was portrayed unfairly.

 

Past studies, including one from the Dutch cancer fund and the research institute showed, no connection found between colorectal cancer and red meat."

 

Besides suggesting lifestyle and meat consumption changes, the report also suggested cutting down on consumption of alcohol, sugar and food rich in fat.