Red meat causes cancer risk equal to cigarettes

International health experts have classified processed red meat as one of the world's most common carcinogens, including arsenic and asbestos.

Eating a lot of meat carries many health risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will also list raw red meat in its “Encyclopedia of Carcinogens,” making it only slightly less dangerous than preserved products such as bacon, sausages, and hamburgers.

The report will be a shock to the meat industry, with everyone from farmers to fast food chains affected. The WHO issued a warning about too much sugar last year, leading to a drop in sugar sales, and the meat industry could see a similar fall. The ruling could lead to labelling warnings and changes to dietary guidelines.

Experts say both processed and raw red meat can cause cancer, but the WHO is set to put processed red meat on its list of human carcinogens on par with smoking and drinking alcohol.

The decision came after scientists from around the world gathered to review the evidence on the issue. Red and processed meat were among 940 substances reviewed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which found some level of theoretical risk.

Recent guidelines have recommended that adults eat no more than 70g of red meat a day, and the World Cancer Research Fund suggests that processed meat should be avoided altogether.

According to Health and Life