UK Scientists Push for Cancer Warnings on Processed Meats
LIFESTYLE
11/2/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
processed (adjective) — changed to make food last longer or taste better.
Example: Processed food often has more salt and sugar.
warning (noun) — a message that tells people about danger.
Example: There is a warning sign on the road.
cancer (noun) — a serious illness caused by cells growing in the body in an uncontrolled way.
Example: Smoking can cause cancer.
meat (noun) — food that comes from animals.
Example: Many people eat meat every day.
government (noun) — the group of people who lead a country.
Example: The government makes important laws.
phase out (phrasal verb) — to slowly stop using something.
Example: The company plans to phase out plastic bottles.
UK Scientists Push for Cancer Warnings on Processed Meats
Scientists in the UK want the government to put cancer warnings on foods like ham and bacon.
They say people should know that processed meats can increase the risk of cancer, just like smoking does.
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) said in 2015 that eating too much processed meat is bad for your health.
Some of the chemicals used to make the meat pink and last longer are the problem.
The scientists want the government to add clear warnings on meat packages and help companies make meat without these chemicals.
They also hope that, in the future, these chemicals will be phased out completely.
Comprehension Questions
What do UK scientists want to add to meat packages?
Why do they think processed meat is dangerous?
What do the scientists want to stop using in the future?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you like ham or bacon?
How often do you eat meat?
Do you think warnings on food are helpful?
Would you eat less meat if it had a cancer warning?
Do you eat any processed foods?
What foods do you think are unhealthy?
Does your family try to eat healthy food?
What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Do you think people in your country eat too much meat?
What do you think is a healthy diet?
Have you ever tried being vegetarian?
Do you think eating meat is important for health?
Should the government control what people eat?
What food do you eat even though it’s unhealthy?
Would you like to learn more about healthy eating?
Comprehension Answers (A1–A2)
Cancer warnings.
Because it can increase the risk of cancer.
The chemicals used in processed meat.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
processed (adjective) — changed by adding chemicals to make food last longer.
Example: Processed meat often contains preservatives and salt.
carcinogen (noun) — something that can cause cancer.
Example: Tobacco is a known carcinogen.
nitrite (noun) — a chemical used to keep meat pink and fresh.
Example: Nitrites are commonly found in cured meats like bacon.
evidence (noun) — information that shows something is true.
Example: There is strong evidence that exercise improves health.
phase out (phrasal verb) — to stop something gradually.
Example: The government plans to phase out diesel cars by 2030.
regulation (noun) — a rule made by authorities to control something.
Example: Food safety regulations protect consumers.
UK Scientists Push for Cancer Warnings on Processed Meats
UK scientists are calling on the government to introduce cancer warnings on popular processed meats like ham, bacon, and sausages.
They argue that people deserve to know about the health risks linked to nitrites, chemicals often used to preserve meat and give it its pink colour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat as a carcinogen in 2015, finding strong evidence that eating 50 grams a day can raise the risk of bowel cancer by around 18%.
Researchers say not enough has been done since that time. They want clear front-of-package warnings, similar to those seen on cigarettes, and new regulations to support producers who make nitrite-free meats.
Some experts have suggested a complete phase-out of nitrites over the next decade, as safer methods of preserving meat become more available.
Comprehension Questions
What do scientists want added to processed meat packaging?
What chemical in processed meat is linked to cancer?
What long-term change do scientists want?
Personal Questions (15)
How often do you eat processed meat?
Would cancer warnings affect what you buy?
Do you think food warnings are useful or unnecessary?
Should processed meat be treated like cigarettes?
Have you ever changed your diet because of health advice?
What are the most common processed foods in your country?
How do you feel about eating foods with chemicals?
Should schools teach more about nutrition?
Do you trust food companies to tell the truth about ingredients?
What’s one unhealthy food you couldn’t give up?
How could governments help people eat more healthily?
Would you pay more for healthier food?
How can technology improve food safety?
Do you think labels influence your shopping choices?
What would make people eat less processed meat?
Comprehension Answers (B1–B2)
Cancer warnings.
Nitrites.
To phase out nitrites completely.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
carcinogen (noun) — a substance capable of causing cancer.
Example: Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen once used in buildings.
nitrite (noun) — a chemical compound used to preserve processed meats.
Example: Nitrites help maintain colour but may increase cancer risk.
epidemiological (adjective) — related to the study of how diseases spread.
Example: Epidemiological studies often identify links between diet and disease.
advocate (verb) — to publicly support or argue in favour of something.
Example: Scientists continue to advocate for stronger food safety laws.
legislation (noun) — laws made by a government.
Example: New legislation was passed to improve environmental protection.
phase out (phrasal verb) — to gradually stop using something.
Example: The company will phase out the use of harmful chemicals by 2030.
UK Scientists Push for Cancer Warnings on Processed Meats
Leading UK scientists are advocating for the introduction of cancer warnings on all processed meat products, arguing that consumers remain largely unaware of the long-term health risks.
Their campaign follows epidemiological research by the World Health Organization (WHO), which in 2015 classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen — the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
The scientists argue that nitrites, chemical preservatives used to keep meat pink and prevent bacterial growth, are a major contributor to bowel cancer.
Although some meat producers now offer nitrite-free options, around 90% of bacon and ham sold in the UK still contains them.
They are calling for legislation requiring front-of-pack cancer warnings and financial support for producers willing to switch to safer curing methods.
Over time, the group hopes the government will phase out nitrites entirely, similar to how other harmful substances have been banned in the past.
Comprehension Questions
What specific change are scientists asking for on processed meat packaging?
What type of research supports the link between processed meat and cancer?
How do scientists want the government to help meat producers?
Personal Questions (15)
How effective do you think health warnings are at changing consumer behaviour?
Should processed meat carry the same warnings as tobacco?
Why might governments hesitate to regulate the meat industry?
What role should science play in shaping food legislation?
Do you think the public is well-informed about cancer risks?
How could nitrite-free meat be made more affordable?
What ethical responsibilities do food producers have toward consumers?
Should restaurants be required to display similar warnings?
How might the food industry respond to such legislation?
What alternatives exist for preserving meat safely?
How does public health messaging differ between countries?
Are warning labels or education campaigns more effective?
How could AI or technology help identify food-related health risks?
Should consumers have the freedom to choose regardless of risk?
In your opinion, what food-related policy change is most urgently needed?
Comprehension Answers (C1–C2)
Cancer warnings on packaging.
Epidemiological research by the WHO.
By offering support to switch to safer curing methods.
