Moderate Consumption of Meat to Reduce Cancer; E. Coli Causes Massive Meat Recall

The World Health Organization issued a news release to clarify the International Agency for Research on Cancer position regarding processed meats last week. WHO pointed out that the IARC’s review confirms the recommendation in the World Health Organization’s 2002 Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases Report, which advised people to moderate consumption of preserved meat to reduce the risk of cancer. The latest IARC review does not ask people to stop eating processed meats but indicates that reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

All American Meats, Inc., in Omaha, Neb., is recalling approximately 167,427 pounds of ground beef products that may be adulterated with E. coli. The problem was discovered on Oct. 30, when a positive result for E. coli from FSIS’ in-commerce surveillance program testing. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that this is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.