Is Risky Eating Red Meat?

           Do you know eating red meat will do harm to your health? But is that true? Many studies have tied red meat food to cancer and heart disease. But are the risks big enough to stop eating foods like lamb chops and humbergers?

             A team of International researchers says probably not. Their findings, published as a series of papers Monday, go against established advice. A group of well known U.S. scientists even took unusual step of trying to stop publication until their criticisms were answered.

            The new work does not say that red meat and processed meats such as hot dogs and bacon are healthy. It is also does not suggest that people should eat more of such foods. The new work examined past studies on red meat and health problems.

              The reaserchers involved generally support the finding that red meat is tied to cancer, heart disease, and other serious health risks. But the researchers also say the evidence is weak. They say there could be other causes for the apperent link including a person's other food choices and lifestyle.

            Dr. Gordon Guyatt is with Canada's McMaster University. He was a co-writer of the new work. He said that most people who understand the degree of risks involved would say "Thanks very much but I'm going to keep eating my meat".

           The new work is the latest example of the divisiveness in food research. Critics say scientific findings on the subject often have weak evidence. Defenders argue that food research findings.