Petition – Processed and red meat to carry a health warning label
In October 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that processed meat products cause cancer and were classified as Group 1 carcinogens – substances causing cancer to humans. Red meat was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans and put into Group 2A.
These decisions were based on the extensive research of 22 scientists from ten countries who formed the working group at the International Agency for Research on Cancer – the advisory body of WHO. The classification of processed and red meat products as carcinogenic and probably carcinogenic is the culmination of many decades of research and data from across the world. As processed and red meat products consumption poses a significant health risk to people of all ages and ethnicities, these products should carry a health warning to make people aware of the health risk. All processed meat and red meat products should carry a label ‘may cause cancer’.
Help us get the government to take action, sign the government petition now and share it widely.
At 10,000 signatures, government will have to respond to this petition. At 100,000 signatures, this petition will have to be considered for debate in Parliament.
Viva!Health encourages a fully plant-based – vegan – diet as the best for your health, animals and the environment. Humans have evolved to thrive on a vegan diet and many population studies are clearly showing the benefits. However, many people are unaware of the health impact of consuming animal products and to get a mandatory health warning on meat products classified by the WHO as carcinogenic and probably carcinogenic is essential in increasing awareness.
To learn more about the health benefits of vegan diets, read our latest feature.
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About the author
Veronika Prošek Charvátová
Veronika Prošek Charvátová MSc is a biologist and Viva! Health researcher. Veronika has spent years uncovering the links between nutrition and good health and is an expert on plant-based diets.
