Five burgers a week raises cancer risk

Published on Sunday 20 February 2011 17:14

Consumers will be advised to eat no more than 500g of red or processed meat per week or face an increased risk of bowel cancer in a report from a group of independent government advisers.

The Scientific Committee on Nutrition is due to deliver its conclusions on meat consumption this week after being asked to look at dietary advice by the Department of Health.

It is expected that the committee will say that red meat should not be cut from diets completely, but that it needs to be consumed in moderation.

It comes just days after a report from the British Nutrition Foundation found that most people eat red meat as part of a balanced diet and are not at increased risk of disease.

The Scottish Government has confirmed it will study the report "with interest".

The guidelines are expected to recommend a maximum intake of 70g of red meat per day. That equates to just four gourmet Aberdeen Angus beef burgers or one packet of lean steak mince per week.

Based on products available in some supermarkets, eating one medium pork loin steak would put somebody over their daily limit.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: "We will study this report with interest. A healthy diet is incredibly important for long term health. That is why we encourage people to eat less junk food and enjoy healthier options like oily fish.

"We have a number of health initiatives in place to encourage Scotland's population to eat a balanced, healthy diet."

This week's report is expected to build on draft recommendations last year.

Then, the committee, which includes a number of doctors, said those consuming more than 100g of red or processed meats - the equivalent of as little as two thick cut back bacon rashers in one leading supermarket - may need to be told to cut their intake.

The 70g figure equates to the average consumption in the UK, though that is distorted as it also includes millions of vegetarians who eat no meat at all.

Current advice says 90g per day is an acceptable intake and advises only those consuming in excess of 140g of red meat per day need to cut back.

The World Cancer Research Fund advises people to limit their intake of red meat to 500g per week and says that children should avoid consuming processed meats altogether.

Scientific studies have linked high-consumption of red meat with a number of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

Last year, the Chief Medical Officer for England claimed 18,000 lives could be saved annually if consumption of red meat was cut by 30 per cent.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The DH committee of independent experts on nutrition will shortly publish their final report on iron and health."