Amid a recent pronouncement from the World Health Organization that processed meats are carcinogenic, the Department of Health on Thursday said there is no need to regulate or ban processed foods.
Health Assistant Secretary Gerardo Bayugo said eating processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham, is fine as long it is done in moderation, coupled with a healthy diet.
Since these types of meat are easy to prepare, Bayugo said it would be difficult to remove those from the menu.
“What we are advising is to ensure that there is balanced diet,” he said.
At present, Bayugo said they are recommending the Food and Nutrition and Research Institute practice of “Pinggang Pinoy” (healthy food plate) as a strategy to promote healthy diet.
The plate is divided into four quadrants which consist of portions for carbohydrates, meat, fruits and vegetable.
“Still, basically, that plate should contain meat. Whether its white meat or red meat. It must contain protein. It must contain carbohydrate. It must contain fruits and vegetables for mineral and vitamins. It should be balanced. Without meat, which is a source of protein, diet will also be unhealthy,” he explained.
He added that meat, a good source of protein, is essential in rebuilding body muscles and tissues.