The World Health Organization recently came out with a statement declaring that processed meats such as bacon, sausages and ham are carcinogenic to humans. According to the statement, consuming 50 grams of processed meats a day increases chances of developing colon cancer by 18%. The statement also stated that red meats “probably” cause cancer as it has been linked to higher chances of developing pancreatic and prostate cancer. The chemicals and ingredients involved in processing these foods and to enhance color, flavor and shelf life are the main sources. These processed meats have been placed in the same category as smoking cigarettes and asbestos, but are not equally dangerous.

This statement does in fact have a huge impact on society today, as growing numbers of the population have been cutting meat out of their diet. But when statements like this come out, one of two things can happen. First of all, similar to food scares in the past, it makes an immediate impact on society, then eventually will bounce back to the way it was. Secondly, people can choose to ignore it altogether. With this being said, Americans for example will most likely not be stopping their consumption of meat anytime soon, as people have been eating meat for thousands of years. I feel it may not have a direct, serious and immediate impact on our generation today, but certainly for those in the future, it does play a key role. Based on the information previously stated, this statement will most likely have a minimal impact on the meat industry. It may lead to a slight decrease in the sales of red meat as people may start to favour chicken or turkey.  People may be more conscious of what they are consuming, but will most likely continue to consume as they have. Essentially, I believe it essentially really comes down to how much one values their health, and how much risk one is willing to take with their health. Being a vegan for health reasons, this statement backs up my reasons exactly for changing my diet.

External Sources:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-34615621

http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/26/news/red-meat-processed-cancer-world-health-organization/index.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cancer-red-meat-processed-1.3289580