Eat Less Red Meat, Scientists Said. Now Some Believe That Was Bad Advice

"The evidence is too weak to justify telling individuals to eat less beef and pork, according to new research. The findings “erode public trust,” critics said."

"Public health officials for years have urged Americans to limit consumption of red meat and processed meats because of concerns that these foods are linked to heart disease, cancer and other ills.

But on Monday, in a remarkable turnabout, an international collaboration of researchers produced a series of analyses concluding that the advice, a bedrock of almost all dietary guidelines, is not backed by good scientific evidence.

If there are health benefits from eating less beef and pork, they are small, the researchers concluded. Indeed, the advantages are so faint that they can be discerned only when looking at large populations, the scientists said, and are not sufficient to tell individuals to change their meat-eating habits."

Gina Kolata reports for the New York Times September 30, 2019.

"Eat As Much Meat As You Like? Really?" (Food Politics)

"No Need To Cut Back On Red Meat? Controversial New 'Guidelines' Lead To Outrage" (NPR)

"A Study Says Full Speed Ahead On Processed And Red Meat Consumption. Nutrition Scientists Say Not So Fast." (Washington Post)

"Meat’s Bad for You! No, It’s Not! How Experts See Different Things in the Data" (New York Times)

"How Much Does Animal Agriculture And Eating Meat Contribute To Global Warming?" (Skeptical Science)