Download NoteMAE - Dutch Meat Importers Association

Brussels, 23rd October 2015
IARC report Volume 114/Preliminary analysis & core message
Background information & Issues
The Lancet Oncology, one of the world’s most prestigious medial publications, is due to
publish an IARC’s report Monday 26thOctober which is likely to generate significant media
coverage in the wake of the publication. IARC is a globally recognized organization
belonging to the WHO (World Health Organisation), part of the United Nations, and a source
for information and research on cancer. Previous reports published by IARC have led to
consumers modifying their consumption habits and such changes in the consumption of red
meat and processed meats would have ramifications for UECBV’s members.
The report’s focus is expected to reclassify red meats and processed meats as
probably/possibly carcinogenic although the report is likely to focus on the hazards
associated with consuming red meats etc. rather than a risk assessment.
Situation analysis
The first article to appear in The Daily Mail is a foretaste of the type of articles we can expect
in Europe. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the NAMI spokesperson is
quoted as referring to billions of dollars, a position that must absolutely be avoided in a
European context: associating public healthcare and money. She is quoted as saying « it
could take decades and billions of dollars to change that (moniker) » which immediately
draws attention to powerful meat lobbyists and raises suspicions among all the target
audiences concerned. It in turn raises the issue of credibility and in such a case IARC is
undoubtedly a credible source compared to a business federation.
Whilst WHO’s reports are widely covered by on and off-line media, blogs and health
websites, bear in mind that there is a growing level of consumer confusion and fatigue
associated with these ‘dire warnings’ emanating from health authorities. Consequently,
netizensare likely to react in some of the following ways to articles appearing in online media
and specialist websites:

More scare tactics, leave us in peace to eat what we like

Eat less but better quality meat

Stop eating meat and turn vegan

Remember the health benefits derived from red meat - iron is absolutely necessary
for good health

etc.
In the scientific community, several profiles may be interviewed that may include cancer
specialists, nutritionists and possibly public authorities such as the French body INCa. Some
cancer specialists may react as Dr Leicester (see The Daily Mail article) who points the finger
at sugar as being the greatest danger in colorectal cancer. Third party comments and
arguments are likely to dispel some of arguments put forward by the IARC report and add
further confusion to health and food issues.
NGOs are likely to comment on the report and Cancer associations will no doubt applaud
any moves to focus attention on diet improvements as a means of preventing cancer and
public healthcare spend on cancer treatments.
With the COP21 coming up shortly, environmental NGOs are likely to jump on the
bandwagon to promote alternative agricultural practices.
It is also worth noting that over the past decades, meat consumption in Europe has dropped
as a result of the various health campaigns that have been actively promoted healthy eating
and exercise.
Holding Statement/Key Messages
UECBV does not contest IARC’s Volume 114 report that is published in The Lancet
Oncology.
This latest IARC report examines and syntheses previous studies in a global fashion that
fails to take Europe’s cultural consumption of meat into consideration, fails to acknowledge
the essential role that meat plays in a balanced diet and is yet another example of a report
that leaves the consumer anxious and confused.
Culturally, European meat consumption patterns differ from other parts of the world, making
it difficult to globalise meat consumption habits. Moreover, within the European continent,
there are differences between northern and southern countries, with a preference for pork in
the north and lamb, beef and poultry in southern Europe. Over the past decade or so, the
Mediterranean diet has won over multitudes of consumers across all European markets with
its focus on a healthy, balanced and diverse consumption of fruit, vegetables and meats.
Meat is an essential source of micro- and macro-nutrients vital for a healthy diet. It contains
protein, vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, niacin, iron, zinc and selenium. Vitamin B12 is especially
important in children’s development. Meat, fish, dairy and eggs are sole sources of this vital
vitamin that nourishes not only the brain and red blood cells as well as a healthy nervous
system.
European health authorities recommend including meat as part of a healthy and balanced
diet and suggest 70grs per day. IARC recommendations may be in conflict with other WHO
organisations who recommend a weekly consumption of 300grs of meat per week.
There is a lack of consensus among scientists and cancer specialists as to what provokes
cancer; it is a very complex subject and may depend on a number of factors that includes
age, genetics, diet and cooking styles, environment and lifestyle. For instance, in later years,
more and more studies indicate that very high intakes of sugar may be a major contributing
factor to cancer.