Can processed and red meat cause cancer? The World Health Organization's classification raises concerns
At a Glance
30-10-2015
On 26 October 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced that it has classified processed meat as 'carcinogenic to humans', and red meat as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'. Stakeholder responses have varied from putting things into perspective, to criticising the decision, to cautioning against alarmist reactions.
At a Glance
About this document
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Policy area
Keyword
- AGRI-FOODSTUFFS
- cancer
- carcinogenic substance
- consumption
- deterioration of the environment
- disease prevention
- documentation
- eating habits
- EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
- ENVIRONMENT
- food hygiene
- foodstuff
- health
- INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
- meat product
- medical research
- PRODUCTION, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
- research and intellectual property
- research results
- scientific report
- SOCIAL QUESTIONS
- TRADE
- United Nations
- World Health Organisation