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How Risky is Eating Red Meat? New Papers Provoke Controversy

Associated Press

   NEW YORK - Eating red meat is linked to cancer and heart disease, but
   are the risks big enough to give up burgers and steak?

   A team of international researchers says probably not, contradicting
   established advice. In a series of papers published Monday, the
   researchers say the increased risks are small and uncertain and that
   cutting back likely wouldn't be worth it for people who enjoy meat.

   Their conclusions were swiftly attacked by a group of prominent U.S.
   scientists who took the unusual step of trying to stop publication
   until their criticisms were addressed.

   The new work does not say red meat and processed meats like hot dogs
   and bacon are healthy or that people should eat more of them. The
   reviews of past studies generally support the ties to cancer, heart
   disease and other bad health outcomes. But the authors say the evidence
   is weak, and that there's not much certainty meat is really the
   culprit, since other diet and lifestyle factors could be at play.

   Most people who understand the magnitude of the risks would say "Thanks
   very much, but I'm going to keep eating my meat," said co-author Dr.
   Gordon Guyatt of McMaster University in Canada.

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