Anti-meat or getting serious with nutrition?

Lorelei DiSogra of United passes on this Second Global Report on Nutrition and Cancer, released Wednesday. The report implicates body fat as a factor in higher rates of cancer, and also said evidence that ties consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meat to cancer is "deemed convincing." Thus, the report recommends consumption of 18 ounces of cooked red meat per week. There is no safe recommended level for processed meat, the group said. Anti-meat or a clarion call for healthy living and a radical change in diet to prevent cancer? The report says we need to eat at least five servings of non-starchy fruits and vegetables for a positive "double whammy effect.". Read on and contemplate what would happen if the produce industry loaded their marketing gun with this ammunition in both barrels.
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Here is press coverage of the report, here in the UK"s Guardian and here in USA Today.

From the USA Today article:

The report is drawing fire from the food industry.
Ceci Snyder, a registered dietitian with the National Pork Board, which represents pork producers, says, "The U.S. Dietary Guidelines include meat and processed meat, and those guidelines are based on a review of the scientific evidence."
Mary Young of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says the group engaged scientists to review the scientific literature on the topic, and they concluded there is no evidence red meat causes cancer.

Here are documents associated with the report. First the press release...

Landmark Report: Excess Body Fat Causes Cancer Panel Also Implicates Red Meat, Processed Meat and Alcohol
WASHINGTON, DC -- The evidence that excess body fat increases the risk of developing cancer is much stronger now than ever before, according to a landmark report issued today by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). . Evidence linking consumption of alcohol, red meat and processed meat to increased risk is also deemed convincing . Released today at a Washington news conference, the report – Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective -- is the most comprehensive ever published on the evidence linking cancer risk to diet, physical activity and weight. The result of a five-year process involving nine independent teams of scientists from around the world, hundreds of peer reviewers, and 21 international experts who reviewed and analyzed over 7,000 large-scale studies, the report includes 10 recommendations for cancer prevention. The report is available online at www.dietandcancerreport.org “The most striking finding in the report is that excess body fat increases risk for numerous cancers. That is why body weight is the focus of our first recommendation,” expert panel member W. Phillip T. James, M.D., D.Sc., said today. James spoke at a press conference previewing the 517-page report published on November 1. Body Fat Convincingly Linked to Six Cancers Finding that the evidence is now convincing that carrying excess body fat increases risk for cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, kidney and endometrium as well as post-menopausal breast cancer, the report recommends that people aim to stay within the healthy weight range (18.5 to 25) on the BMI chart throughout adult life. It further recommends staying as lean as possible within that range. This recommendation is more stringent than AICR — and most other organizations — have previously issued on weight and reflects the stronger evidence that has emerged over the last few years. When the first AICR report was published in 1997, only the evidence linking body fat to endometrial cancer was judged to be convincing. “The recommendation reflects what the science is telling us today. Even small amounts of excess body fat, especially if carried at the waist, increase risk,” James said. Because the evidence on weight gain is now so much stronger, the new report offers two evidence-based recommendations on how to avoid excess body fat. First, the report calls for limiting the intake of “energy-dense foods,” especially processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat. Burgers, French fries, milk shakes and pastries were examples cited in the report, as were sugary drinks. Second, the report advocates being physically active for at least 30 minutes each day. The evidence shows that physical activity offers a double bonus by reducing cancer risk in its own right while helping to maintain a healthy weight, which is also protective. Panel Urges Limits on Red Meat Compared to 1997, when AICR released its first global report on the association between diet and cancer, the new assessment finds the evidence linking red meat (beef, pork and lamb) to colorectal cancer is more convincing than it was a decade ago. Accordingly, AICR’s expert panel recommends limiting consumption of red meat to 18 ounces (cooked) per week. Beyond this amount, the evidence indicates, every 1.7 ounces of red meat consumed per day increases cancer risk by 15 percent. The recommendation concerning processed meats is even more rigorous. Based on convincing evidence, the panel recommends avoiding processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausage and lunchmeat. In regard to processed meat, the evidence shows no safe level of consumption. Every 1.7 ounces of processed meat consumed per day increases risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. “That’s why we recommend that if people eat processed meat at all, they save it for special occasions like ham at Christmas or the occasional hot dog at a baseball game,” said James. In a separate recommendation, the panel advises planning meals around non-starchy vegetables and fruits. These plant foods can be eaten in conjunction with foods of animal origin other than red meat, such as poultry, fish and eggs. “We are recommending 5 servings or more of vegetables and fruit daily because, like physical activity, they pack a double whammy against cancer. Probable evidence indicates they help reduce cancer risk on their own, and as low-energy-dense foods, they help maintain a healthy weight, which the evidence shows has a big influence on cancer risk,” James said.
Alcohol Consumption Linked to Cancer The AICR expert panel found the evidence convincing that alcoholic drinks are linked to cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, as well as colorectal cancer in men and pre-and post-menopausal cancer in women. In addition, alcoholic drinks are a probable cause of liver cancer and of colorectal cancer in women. “It doesn’t matter whether you are talking about wine, beer or spirits, when it comes to cancer, even small amounts of alcohol raise your risk. In light of evidence suggesting that small amounts of alcohol protect against heart disease, however, the panel decided to recommend limiting rather than avoiding consumption,” James said. The full recommendation says, “If alcoholic drinks are consumed, limit consumption to no more than 2 drinks a day for men and I drink a day for women.” The distinction has to do with differing body composition in the two sexes.
Although equally important, other recommendations involve special or limited populations:
People concerned about risk of stomach cancer should reduce salt intake.
People who currently look to supplements for cancer protection should instead try to get protective nutrients from whole foods.
Mothers should breast feed when practical and babies should be breastfed.
To reduce risk of recurrence, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention. “Cancer is preventable.
There are changes you can make in your daily life that will reduce your chances of developing cancer,” James said. He pointed out that, taken together, the recommendations outline a clear and consistent way of living that fosters a longer healthy life.
“Let’s get more vegetables, fruits and other low-energy-density foods every day, which will leave less room for meat. Let’s get off our backsides however and whenever we can.” Accomplish these changes to diet and activity level and you are on your way to getting and staying as lean as possible, which is our first recommendation, he said. “This is a pattern for living with the potential to save millions of lives. If these recommendations were adopted around the world, scientists estimate it could prevent about one-third of global cancer cases,” James said.
Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
1.Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.
2.Be physically active as part of everyday life.
3. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. Avoid sugary drinks.
4. Eat mostly foods of plant origin.
5. Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat.
6. Limit alcoholic drinks.
7. Limit consumption of salt. Avoid moldy cereals (grains) or pulses (legumes).
8. Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone.
Special Population Recommendations
9. Mothers to breastfeed; children to be breastfed.
10. Cancer survivors to follow the recommendations for cancer prevention. And always remember – do not smoke or chew tobacco.

Chiming in

Some of the remarks about Ed Schafer, nominee for Agriculture Secretary, are indistinguishable. They go as such: 1. Congratulations 2. Get confirmed and get up to speed; until then, Chuck Conner will cover for you nicely 3. We'd like to hear what you think about ag issues - particularly if it agrees with us 4. See you on the Hill soon and then we can tell you why we do what we do.
Here is a statement, a little more embracing, from Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va.:

WASHINGTON – Ranking Republican Bob Goodlatte issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s nomination of Governor Ed Schafer as Agriculture Secretary:
“I congratulate Governor Schafer on his nomination for the position of Agriculture Secretary. While the Congress is actively involved in putting together the next farm bill, we’ve maintained an open line of communication and a cooperative working relationship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Johanns’ leadership and Acting Secretary Chuck Conner’s leadership. This is an important time for American agriculture as we craft the policies that will impact the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers throughout the nation and allow them to continue to produce a safe, affordable food supply.”


TK: Randy Russell points out that President Bush seems to be comfortable with governors and ex-governors, and Schafer fits the bill. Sounds like people of ND like him a lot. Another compelling story line is that he is not far removed from the American dream; his maternal grandparents were Danish immigrants.

Harkin on Schafer

From the office of Sen. Tom Harkin:


Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today issued the following statement upon learning that President Bush intends to nominate former North Dakota Governor Edward Schafer to be the Secretary of Agriculture.

“I congratulate Former Governor Schafer on his nomination for Secretary of Agriculture. I look forward to working with him and to learning his views on the new farm bill that we have just reported out of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry with overwhelming support. I also want to thank and commend Chuck Conner for the fine job he has done as Acting Secretary.”

New Ag Secretary?

Luis of the Fresh Produce Industry Discussion Group first posted this news from the AP:

By DEB RIECHMANN
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Wednesday will nominate Edward Schafer, a two-term Republican governor from North Dakota, to be his next secretary of agriculture, a senior administration official said.

Schafer, who chose not to run again in North Dakota in 2000, will replace Mike Johanns, who resigned as U.S. agriculture secretary last month to launch a bid for the Nebraska Senate seat being vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel at the end of next year.

Bush will make the announcement at 2 p.m. EDT in the Roosevelt Room.

TK: We will have to wait until 2 pm Eastern to be sure. Schafer told KFYR TV recently that he had been approached to take the job as president of the University of North Dakota, but wasn't interested. Schafer lives in Fargo and is partner in a business consulting firm, KFYR reports. Conner is both the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Acting Agriculture Secretary, so one might assume he will remain at USDA even after the presumptive nominee Schafer is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Perhaps Conner's frank views about payment limits makes him a difficult pick for Southern lawmakers, but it seems likely he will remain a vital part of USDA's team for the foreseeable future.

Fruit and tree nut bearing acreage

Tree nuts have shown the most growth in bearing acreage over the past 25 years, thse statistics from the 2007 USDA Fruit and Tree Nut Yearbook illustrate.

FV Advisory Committee named

This has been in the works for some time. I like the diversity of this group; the USDA did a good job of putting this group together with some holdovers from the last committee and many new members as well. Here is the release announcing the newly minted Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee:



CONNER NAMES MEMBERS TO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2007 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today announced the names of members of the new Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. USDA will schedule the committee's first meeting for January 2008 in the Washington, D.C., area.
The 25 members were selected from individuals nominated by their peers. Committee members represent fresh fruit and vegetable growers/shippers, fresh fruit and vegetable wholesalers, retailers, industry trade associations, importers, fruit and vegetable processors, foodservice suppliers, fresh-cut processors, brokers and state departments of agriculture. Each member is appointed to a two-year term. Fourteen of the members are incumbents from the previous advisory committee.
Originally chartered in 2001, the advisory committee advises the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry. In May 2007, USDA approved a new two-year charter for this committee. The Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 provides for the establishment and operation of advisory committees within the executive branch of the federal government.
More information about the meeting will be published in the Federal Register and will be available at www.ams.usda.gov/fv. Information also can be obtained by e-mailing robert.keeney@usda.gov or by calling (202) 720-4722.
USDA's Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee Members: 2007-2009
Danny Arnold A-W Produce Company Texas
Gordon Bowman Bowman Apple Products Virginia
Wayne Brandt Brandt Farms California
William Brim Lewis Taylor Farms Georgia
Frederick Caito Caito Foods Service Indiana
Charles Ciruli, Jr. Ciruli Brothers/Amex Distributing Company Arizona
Jim Corby Food Lion North Carolina
Scott Danner Liberty Fruit Company Kansas
Matthew D'Arrigo D'Arrigo Brothers New York
Andrew Deane Del Monte Foods California
Joseph DeVerna Ocean Spray Massachusetts
Michael Hollister Driscolls' Inc. California
A.G. Kawamura California Department of Food and Agriculture California
Helen Masser Sterman Masser, Inc. Pennsylvania
Lisa McNeece Grimmway Enterprises California
John Millwater Fresh Express Texas
Luis Monterde B&M Blueberries Mississippi
Robert Morrissey National Watermelon Association Florida
Paul Newman Rainier Fruit Company Washington
Daniel Richey Riverfront Growers/Riverfront Packing Florida
Mike Stuart Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Florida
Lisa Strube Strube Celery and Vegetable Company Illinois
Jennifer Verdelli Verdelli Farms Pennsylvania
Rebecca Wilson Tom Lange Company Illinois
Larry Yonce J.W. Yonce and Sons South Carolina

Easy targets

There is coverage and more coverage from across the pond about the Competition Commission efforts to curb the power or retailers in the UK.

From The Scotsman:

THE Competition Commission today outlined a series of measures to give shoppers at better deal at UK supermarkets. The watchdog outlined its intention to overhaul the planning system and to stamp out the practice of "land banking" as part of an 18-month inquiry into the grocery market. The Commission also raised concerns over the relationship between supermarkets and suppliers in provisional findings of the probe and said changes were needed to help offer greater protection to suppliers.

Here is a retrospective look at the issue from the Guardian Unlimited:

Independent retailers were, and still are, disappearing at a rate of 2,000 shops a year and since 1987 have seen their market share halve from 17% to 9%.
There was unrest about the impact the immense buying power of the biggest chains was having on small suppliers and, in particular, Britain's hard-pressed farming community.
The campaigners claimed that suppliers were too scared to complain for fear of losing key contracts.
Although the authorities agreed there was a need for action, the conclusions of the first major Competition Commission inquiry in the year 2000 were met with derision.
Inexplicably, the commission's narrow definition of the grocery market did not include convenience stores, even though supermarkets were already making rapid inroads into the sector with their own smaller outlets.
Working practices
But the greatest criticism was reserved for the proposed Supermarket Code of Practice which campaigners insisted was simply unworkable. Most controversial was the idea that suppliers must blow the whistle on alleged bullying practices from their biggest customers, the supermarkets.
Not surprisingly, no suppliers came forward and two years after the code was finally thrashed out and introduced to a sceptical industry, the Office of Fair Trading announced a review.

TK: Relying on suppliers to come forward and air complaints about buyers is a nonstarter, whether in the UK or the US. While suppliers may wait for a Golden Age when they will exert equal power to buyers, there will continue to be an inexorable accumulation of clout by retailers and halting efforts by governments to manage the process.