Safefood: Over 50% of meat eaten in Ireland is processed

The World Cancer Research Fund report, which made a number of recommendations in relation to diet and lifestyle with regard to cancer prevention, has been welcomed by safefood.

The Food body said the recommendations highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight, eating moderate amounts of lean red meat and limiting alcohol intake.

The protective effects of breast-feeding are outlined, along with a recommendation to obtain nutrients from food sources, as opposed to supplements.

Martin Higgins, Chief Executive, safefood said: "The evidence in relation to a healthy balanced diet in the prevention of cancer is now more convincing than ever. The key finding is that maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do to prevent cancer.

"The report underlines the need for consumers to reduce their intake of energy dense foods, such as treat foods and recommends including foods that are naturally low in energy and high in nutrients, such as fruit and vegetables.

Evidence now suggests that a high consumption of red meat, particularly processed meat is associated with a modest increased risk of colorectal cancer."

On the island of Ireland, over half of the meat consumed is processed meat.

Given the new evidence in this report, safefood advises that processed meats should be consumed sparingly.

Safefood recognises that lean red meat is an important source of nutrients in the diet. Lean red meat is one of the richest sources of iron and many women and children on the island of Ireland have intakes below the average requirement.

Moderate amounts of red meat should still be seen as an important part of the diet and leaner cuts chosen where possible.

safefood also recommends that consumers adopt a diet high in fruit and vegetables, unrefined carbohydrates foods such as whole grain bread, jacket potatoes, brown rice and oatmeal, low fat dairy foods and lean unprocessed meat, poultry and fish.

"We will examine the findings of this very comprehensive report in greater detail with a view to informing our activities in relation to tackling obesity," continued Mr Higgins.