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A new report links processed meats to cancer, although one University of Wisconsin expert is urging consumers to consider a more moderate approach before tossing out the bacon.
A World Health Organization panel said there’s strong evidence processed meats are carcinogenic, and found a probable link between cancer and red meat consumption. In both cases, the concerns were largely tied to colorectal cancer.
Andy Milkowski, an adjunct animal sciences professor at the UW-Madison, knows the findings will worry people, and “the net effect will be, at least for a time, people are going to consumer less of these products.”
However, he argues people don’t have to cut the bratwursts, hot dogs, and salami out completely. “In balance and moderation, there’s not an issue.”
Milkowski, who retired from a job in research and development at Oscar Mayer in 2006, says most consumers can protect their health by eating a variety of foods, exercising, and watching their weight. He says the report, which is based on the findings of a wide variety of other studies, is not something people should obsess over. “Follow your grandmother’s advice and don’t eat too much of any one food. Enjoy your food and move on.”