Korean food authorities deny the need to cut processed meat consumption

“The consumption of processed and red meat in Korea is lower than international recommendation levels, far from worrisome. For now, there is no need to cut down on the consumption by the fear of cancer.”

The local food authorities have decided to weigh in the fueling debate over the WHO’s decision to classify as carcinogen processed meat, such as hams and sausages as well as red meat including beef and pork. “The announcement of the WHO may be meaningful as a warning against the consumption of processed meat. But it does not mean that we must define processed meat as food that should not be eaten at all,” Deputy Director Sohn Mun-gi of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety told a briefing on Monday,

In fact, a daily consumption of processed meat per person in Korea is about six grams, far lower than the WHO recommendation at 50 grams. The daily consumption of red meat in Korea stands at 61.5 grams per person, which is also much smaller than the WHO recommendation level (100 grams). “Koreans have their meat often boiled or barbequed rather than roasted, so it is inappropriate to follow the WHO standards as is," the ministry explained.

noel@donga.com