Bacon lovers’ hearts sunk when headlines everywhere buzzed that the popular and delicious meat causes cancer. Bacon, hotdogs, sausages and other processed meats were categorized as major causes of cancer by the World Health Organization earlier last week. The news has caused quite the stir, but should we really put down the bacon and jump to change our eating habits?

“I would hope most people understand by now that life is about balance and if you ate pounds of bacon, beef and hotdogs daily that it would be bad for you,” Chef Michael Symon wrote on his Facebook page. “To categorize the danger of eating bacon, salami and beef in the same breath as cigarettes is a complete joke.”  After all, it is a little outlandish to say that eating bacon (something that is not a staple food in most people’s diets) is as bad as smoking.

The problem is that the World Health Organization has not explained in detail what the real risks are and how likely developing colorectal cancer is from eating processed meats alone. Likewise, the media has now scared people into believing bacon is going to kill with all the ridiculous headlines that have been printed. However, this news might make people think twice about what they put into their bodies the next time they sit down for a meal.

“I believe that everyone should know exactly what chemicals go into their meat and with most of the meat sold at supermarkets, you don’t know where it came from, how many animals go into each package or what chemicals you are going to consume,” said Jamie Oriol ’17. Oriol participated in the sustainability semester at St. Lawrence and says a main reason she does not eat meat is because you just do not know what you are getting. If we all actually knew the process behind meat production, cancer may not be the only reason we pass on the bacon.

For most though, giving up bacon and other processed meats just is not going to happen. Here at St. Lawrence, bacon is served twice a week in Dana and is always available at the Pub. “I eat way more bacon at school than I do at home,” said bacon lover Hayes Graham ’18, “I probably order food with bacon in it 4-5 times week, like quesadillas, wraps, egg sandwiches – all that stuff has bacon in it and I guess I don’t even realize how often I’m eating it.”

Fear not though bacon lovers, Dining Services has no plans of changing the amount of bacon being served at school. “We are not in panic mode… we know bacon is popular and I think it is up to individuals to choose what they do and do not eat,” Director of Dining and Conference Services, Cindy Atkins said.  So bacon lovers, it is up to you to choose your fate – continue chowing down or cut back on the processed meats.

Image Credit: Carnivore Style at https://carnivorestyle.com/blog/