Meat companies react to Finland’s ‘no cold cuts’ advice | News Julia

The main concern with processed meat is studies that have found a link between its consumption and the risk of colon cancer.

A hand holds an open sandwich with cheese, metwurst and cucumber. — The recommendations emphasize the importance of a plant-based diet, including daily consumption of 500 to 800 grams of vegetables, fruits and berries. Image: Mostphotos

Finland has updated its dietary recommendations to be more in line with those of other Nordic countries. One recommendation includes avoiding processed meat almost entirely.

The recommendations emphasize the importance of a plant-based diet, including daily consumption of 500 to 800 grams of vegetables, fruits and berries. He also recommends people avoid processed meats, sausages and cold cuts.

The recommendations were last updated ten years ago. The National Nutrition Council is leading this effort, with the participation of ministries, universities, consumer groups, the food industry and NGOs.

Finnish dietary recommendations are based on Nordic recommendationswhich were updated in the summer of 2023.

The main concern with processed meats is studies finding a link between consumption and the risk of colon cancer.

In practice, new recommendations suggest limiting red meat consumption to a maximum of twice a week. They also recommend avoiding eating meat as a snack almost entirely.

Yle asked two meat processing companies, Atria and Snellman, what they thought of the new recommendations.

Man's hands cut a cucumber with a large knife and put the slices on a cheese sandwich. — Image: Tekla Lilja / Yle

Head of Research and Development at Atria, Anu Saranpääsaid she finds it unfortunate when one food group is singled out as negative.

She added that consumers will continue to decide for themselves what they eat.

Snellman CEO Markus Hellströmthere were similar feelings.

“We think consumers are very aware of these things these days. Everyone thinks about them on their own,” Hellström said.

He also noted that the company has no plans to change the formulation of its products due to new recommendations that urge people, for example, to reduce their intake of salt and fat.

“We understand our responsibility to consumers and public health, and this is also taken into account when developing our products. If consumer demand changes significantly, we will respond with new products,” Hellström said.

The CEO said it was difficult to gauge what impact the recommendations would have.

“I believe the changes will ultimately be moderate in the short term. In the long term, bigger changes are certainly possible,” he said.

Hellström said he thinks patronizing rules could also cause a backlash, but “I don’t think that’s the case in this case.”

Snellman’s CEO also didn’t comment on the nutritional value of the cold cuts, but said he eats them every day.

Meat products on display in a refrigerated display case at the Prisma hypermarket in Helsinki. — Finnish supermarkets usually sell a wide selection of cold cuts and sausages. Image: Silja Vitala / Yle

“For me, taste is everything. When making personal choices, I think about my own feelings and how I feel after eating different foods,” he said, adding that health is a broad and all-encompassing topic.

“It’s not our job to evaluate different recommendations and what people choose to eat. We are trying to ensure that consumers who still want to buy meat products find good options with us,” Hellström said.

Meanwhile, Atria’s Saranpää said the guidelines haven’t had much impact on consumer habits, but they do have an impact on the food industry.

“The specific effect of the recommendations is more noticeable for catering establishments such as public sector kitchens, kindergartens, schools and hospitals,” Saranpää said.

Users with a Yle ID can leave comments on our news. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our commenting and moderation policies are explained. Here.