Experts Demand Government Action Regarding Processed Meats

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. in the dark / ɪn ðə ˈdɑɚk / (idiom) – not aware and not informed about something important
    Example:

    The employees were in the dark while the issue was being resolved by the management.


  2. bowel / ˈbawəl / (n) – referring to the intestine or parts of the intestine
    Example:

    My friend just underwent bowel surgery due to an infection in her intestines.


  3. disregard / ˌdɪsrɪˈgɑɚd / (v) – to consider someone or something not very important
    Example:

    Many people disregard the risks of an unhealthy lifestyle.


  4. essential / ɪˈsɛnʃəl / (adj) – necessary or needed
    Example:

    Food manufacturers claim that this chemical is essential for preserving meat.


  5. collectively / kəˈlek.tɪv.l / (adv) – as one group 
    Example:

    Health workers, teachers, and parents worked collectively to control the spread of the virus in schools.


Article

Read the text below.

The UK government is being urged to act on the risks associated with processed meat consumption.


Food and health experts and politicians have joined forces and released a statement requesting the UK government to increase awareness of the dangers of processed meats. According to the group, although there are campaigns that warn of the dangers of products high in fat and sugar, the public remains in the dark about the risks of eating processed meats.


The group claims that experts generally agree that nitrite / ˈnaɪˌtraɪt /, a chemical used in making processed meats, creates a cancer-causing compound called nitrosamines. Regular consumption of meats with nitrites leads to a high risk of cancer, particularly bowel cancer.


Processed meats were categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015 as group one carcinogens, or items that cause certain cancer types. In fact, 34,000 cancer-induced deaths in the world annually have been linked to the consumption of processed meats. Evidence suggests that nitrite-treated meats are also the cause of over 6,000 cases of bowel cancer in the United Kingdom yearly.


Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a member of the group, called out those in the food business who continue to disregard the health risks of processed meats. He also dismissed arguments claiming that nitrites are essential for meat preservation. According to Malhotra, companies such as Nestlé and Finnebrogue were able to successfully produce nitrite-free processed meats.


Malhotra’s group believes that lawmakers, people in the food industry, and those involved in cancer care should work collectively to raise awareness among consumers. The group is also pushing for safer and more natural alternatives that can reduce cancer cases.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• If you were a lawmaker or someone who works for the food or cancer care industries, how would you increase awareness of the risks of processed meat consumption? Discuss.
• Aside from processed meats, what other products do you think should be examined for their risks? Explain.

Discussion B

• Do you think it is the responsibility of companies to warn their customers about the dangers associated with their products (e.g. cigarette companies, processed meat manufacturers, soda producers)? Explain.
• As a consumer, do you want to be informed of healthier food options when purchasing products? Why or why not?