Moderation key on the diet front - WHO meat warning

THOUGH there is a scary ring of truth behind the latest report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on possible links between cancer and the food we eat, a sceptic might perhaps be forgiven for turning a jaundiced eye on its findings. 

Unfortunately, what’s said to be bad for us in one report — butter and eggs are classic examples — is thought to be good for us the next day. Thus, a hale and hearty 74-year-old texted a radio programme yesterday saying he has the ‘full Irish’ breakfast every morning.

Whether sceptic or not, people would be ill-advised to ignore a WHO warning. Its latest pronouncement focuses on links between cancer and processed meats, for instance ham or bacon, which carry a high-risk warning.