Faced with the controversy over its report on the carcinogenicity of red meat, the WHO issued a press release to reassure the public.
The concerns of the most carnivorous among us have continued to increase this week following the publication of a WHO study classifying processed meats as a carcinogen and red meats as a probable carcinogen.
They can rest assured: at a reasonable quantity, less than 500 grams per week according to international recommendations, meat is a beneficial food for their health. It is this message that the WHO decided to recall this Thursday, to calm the controversy, especially on social networks (see box).
In a statement, the organization explains that it “is not asking people to stop eating processed meat but indicates that reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.”
Report an increased risk
To arrive at these results, researchers at IARC, the WHO Cancer Research Institute, analyzed more than 800 studies on the subject and calculated that each 50 gram serving of processed meat, consumed daily, increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%.
Nonetheless, the post made it clear that processed meat, even categorized as tobacco or alcohol, surely does not cause as many deaths. Scientists put forward the number of 34,000 deaths per year linked to excess meat in the world. By way of comparison, it is estimated that 37,000 cancers are linked to smoking, only in France.
The idea of the IARC’s work was therefore to warn of the increased risk linked to a high consumption of meat and to promote a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, without arousing public fear.
Moreover, the researchers say they are not yet able to explain the mechanisms at work in the development of colorectal cancer, and are planning additional research on the subject in 2016.
#SmugVegetarian vs. #JesuisBacon
The WHO announcement sparked a social media frenzy. Fans of steak and cold cuts have reacted en masse to defend their eating habits. Evidenced by the prevalence of the hashtag #FreeBacon or #JesuisBacon, a reference in bad taste to #jesuischarlie.
According to the participants of this 2.0 campaign, the risks are minimal, and “anyway, everything causes cancer”. Two days in a row, these pro-bacon hashtags were among the most circulated on Twitter.
Facing them, vegetarians, who thanks to the hashtag #smugvegetarian, have taken up the WHO report in order to justify their rejection of meat in their diet.
These two groups engaged in often comical, sometimes violent, exchanges on social networks. By highlighting only the arguments of the publication that interested them.
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