Most plant foods do not contain saturated fats. Fat intake has been particularly associated with cancer of the breast, large bowel, pancreas and prostate and the incidence of colon cancer is related to meat consumption. In 1990 one of the largest and best controlled studies of fat and colon cancer show an increased risk with saturates and high monounsaturated fat intakes. This study also confirmed the assocation with high meat intake. In the UK there is much concern about osteoporosis and people feel they need to be constantly on their guard to ensure adequate calcium intake.
Advertisements push the sales of cow's milk as 'the best source of calcium'.
However, studies have shown that more calcium is excreted when protein and sodium intakes are high than when intakes of these nutrients are low. Therefore a diet high in meat and milk may not be the most beneficial way to protect calcium loss from the body. Most food poisoning cases are linked to meat and milk products. There has been considerable concern over the rise of incidents involving E.coli 0157 which can produce severe disease and death. Infection occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, particularly beefburgers and milk.