New Research Papers Provoke Controversy for Saying Increased Risks to Eating Red Meat Are Small

A man makes a submarine sandwich with mortadella, cooked salami, ham, Genoa salami and sweet capicola at a delicatessen in Massachusetts on June 5, 2014 – file photo. Elise Amendola/AP, File

NEW YORK—Eating red meat is linked to cancer and heart disease, but are the risks big enough to give up burgers and steak?

A team of international researchers says probably not, contradicting established advice. In a series of papers published Monday, Sept. 30, the researchers say the increased risks are small and uncertain and that cutting back likely wouldn’t be worth it for people who enjoy meat.