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FEDERAL agricultural minister Barnaby Joyce has really got a beef with recent World Health Organisation findings that suggest processed and red meat is “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
Sausages, bacon and red meat were found to cause cancer and were likened to other carcinogenic substances like tobacco smoke and asbestos.
But the health warnings drew an immediate fiery salvo from the
New England Nationals deputy leader and he labelled the research a “farce” when speaking on radio yesterday.
“No it shouldn’t be compared to cigarettes and obviously makes the whole thing a farce –
comparing sausages to cigarettes,” the local federal MP said.
“I don’t think that we should get too excited that if you have a sausage you’re going to die of bowel cancer, because you’re not.”
Mr Joyce said it was hard to completely avoid cancer-causing toxins in everyday life indicating walking down the streets in Sydney would probably have adverse health effects too.
Gunnedah pork producer Leon de Groot also weighed in on the research findings.
Mr de Groot said information such as this is never bad for the public, but felt the findings were sensationalised by comparisons to tobacco smoke and asbestos.
“It’s fair enough the products are up for criticism and it’s good to clarify things for the public,
“Of course, if you ate 10kg of bacon, you’re going to be in trouble,” he said.
The pig farmer also said, like many foods, processed meats are to be enjoyed in moderation.