The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has told parents to avoid putting ham in kids' lunchboxes, in order to stop them developing a taste for processed meat.
There is convincing scientific evidence that regularly eating too much processed meat like ham and salami increases bowel cancer risk, with some research suggesting that we should limit our intake to 70g a week - equivalent to three rashers of bacon. The WCRF issued its advice to parents because it believes that bad eating habits start early and advised giving kids alternatives like chicken, fish or cheese.
However, the Food Standards Agency says that processed meat can form part of a balanced diet - but shouldn't be eaten too often because it often has high levels of saturated fat and salt.
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