Are we sure we know everything about the meat we eat? If the source of information that influences our actions and opinions is that of social networks, maybe it’s time to review our beliefs.

According to the latest data from the Censis-Ital Communications, a Permanent Observatory on Communication Agencies in Italy, about 14 million Italians use Facebook as a source of information, and 4.5 million get information exclusively on social networks. But not only that. According to the Science Post, 70% of users reading news online only read the title. So, the risk of falling victim to fake news becomes more concrete. But how dangerous is fake news? Very much. Mainly when they target sensitive spheres of our life, such as health, food is one of the most vulnerable areas in this regard. In the sight of fake news producers, there is also meat consumption. That’s why it is helpful to do fact-checking.

Let’s see the five most frequent fake news circulating on the network about processed meat consumption.

1. Does processed meat cause dementia? False!

Recently, the results of research carried out under Professors Janet Cade, and Laura Hardie of the University of Leeds have been published. These would reveal an increased risk between the consumption of processed meat and the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

But is it true that eating meat would increase the risk of these diseases? Let’s see what research says and why simplifying risks is wrong. First of all, a clarification is necessary: the study was carried out on a sample of British people who consume processed meat not comparable to the traditional Made in Italy. In addition, this survey was carried out between 2006 and 2010, a period in which processing technologies appear very different from those used today. Not to mention that the analysis of the sample would immediately suggest the existence of deeper correlations among nutritional education, lifestyles and the onset of diseases. Those who participated in the survey were, for the most part, overweight (42.3%) and obese individuals (24.2%), with a standard weight of 33% only.

Are we then sure that this research can be summed up in the shriek of a sensationalist and hasty title? Let’s find out how much more information is in it. First, the study says that fresh red meat prevents the onset of dementia and related pathologies. We also learn from the survey that consuming fruit and vegetables does not prevent diseases such as dementia but on the contrary. According to the figures, there is a greater incidence (almost double) in those consuming 4-6 servings of fruits and vegetables per day than those who consume less than 4.

Similarly, the consumption of fish, the protective role of omega-3 is known. Those who consume more fish have a higher incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is surprising, then, the correlation of these pathologies with the consumption of alcohol: those who drink less have a greater incidence.

2. Are there nitrosamines in processed meat? False!

Processed meat does not contain nitrosamines. They may contain nitrates and nitrites. However, from the latest analysis of CREA, they are somewhat reduced compared to the past: nitrites are almost absent, while nitrates are in minimal quantities. These are mainly used in the preservation of meat and cold cuts. These compounds are not dangerous. Nitrites can be converted by metabolism into nitrosamines, carcinogenic compounds that in excess can increase the risk of gastric and oesophageal cancer. Anyway, vitamin C or ascorbic acid significantly reduces the synthesis of nitrosamines. There is often vitamin C among the ingredients and additives of cold cuts.

3. Do processed meats contain antibiotics and hormones? False!

A fake news as widespread as false and without any scientific support. Hormones as growth promoters have been banned for over fifty years for cattle and since 1981 for all other species. Also, antibiotics have been banned since 2006 for preventive purposes. If used, it must be only for treatment, therapy and prophylaxis, under the prescription of a veterinary doctor. They must then comply with the withdrawal periods, which is when animals need to dispose of them completely. Their use must be limited, and animals may be slaughtered only after these substances have been completely disposed of. What happens when the residues are at a concentration entirely harmless for human health. For this reason, meat that arrives on our tables is safe.

4. Does processed meat cause cancer? False!

Recently, the NutriRECS study refutes this report. The research has shown that, among the 12 randomized control studies carried out on 54,000 people, there was no reliable evidence that reducing red and processed meat consumption leads to a lower risk of cancer disease or diabetes. Indeed, on the contrary, the study has shown that there is a reduced risk for these pathologies and some types of cancer with moderate meat consumption. That is why international dietary guidelines for the whole population should not be formulated based on limited, imprecise and unreliable studies. The certainty of the evidence and the absence of confounding factors are necessary.

5. Are GMOs and pesticides present in processed meat? False!

We have also heard about GMOs and pesticides in meat due to these substances in feed. Simply not true. Animal feed ingredients are subjected to a rigorous screening to verify the absence of products harmful to human health. This is especially true in Italy, where, for example, the stringent checks have detected non-compliance only on 18 of 39,480 samples checked. Less than 0.1%!