In a letter to EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, Minister Charlie McConalogue noted with disappointment that a €170m food promotion programme linked red meat to potential cancer development.
The Agriculture Minister went so far as to accuse the EU of “demonising” red and processed meat in its Beating Cancer Plan, which encourages people to eat less red meat. This in turn could lead to fresh plant-based producers being favoured when seeking funding.
While Minister McConalogue welcomed the EU’s promotion of fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet, he said the “message is undermined” by reference to links between cancers and meat.
“Red meat and processed meat products have an important role, in appropriate servings, as a source of protein, vitamins and minerals in a healthy, balanced diet, and this is reflected in healthy eating guidelines in Ireland and I’m sure across the EU. Irish livestock farmers and the food industry are producing quality, safe food, with strong environmental credentials and with real nutrition benefits for consumers in the EU and around the world,”” he said.
Mr Wojciechowski has stated that their aim is to “increase awareness of organic farming and more sustainable agricultural practices, coupled with the promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables, essential for healthy eating and balanced diet”. But Irish Cattle and Sheep farmers’ Association president Dermot Kelleher accused the EU of “wilful misrepresentation” of research on meat and cancer.
LSL News.