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Hungary pans EU’s crusade against meat and wine — Analysis

Brussels claims certain foods and drinks contribute to cancer, and, hence, shouldn’t be promoted

Hungary is finding the European Commission’s anti-cancer plan hard to stomach, as it seeks to prohibit the promotion of red meat and wine, among other measures to reduce risk of the disease.

Speaking to the media in the Belgian capital on Monday, state secretary of the Hungarian agriculture ministry, Zsolt Feldman, described Brussels’ push as “unacceptable,” claiming that the European Commission “It isn’t looking for solutions.” The official went on to argue that restricting the promotion of red meat and wine “This will not support sustainable lifestyles and healthy habits.

Feldman also noted that societies should be allowed to “They can choose their own diet without the help of bureaucrats from Brussels.” According to him, the EU “More initiatives are based on ideology than impact studies.” Feldman added that Hungary was not alone in its opposition to Brussels’ crusade against red meat and wine, with 19 more European nations taking issue with it.

If the state secretary of the Hungarian agriculture ministry is to be believed, the measures proposed by Brussels could backfire badly, with “Food production is being moved to third countries which could threaten the EU’s security.

Now meat eaters stand accused of sexism and racism

Dubbed ‘Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’, the European Commission’s brainchild envisages the introduction of warning labels on alcoholic beverages including wine, similar to the ones printed on cigarette packs. On top of that, red and processed meats will be excluded from the EU’s agricultural promotion programs, apparently meaning less funds for certain farmers. Commission insists there’s enough evidence linking these food and spirit to cancer. 

It is not surprising that winemakers, particularly those from traditional wine-producing countries like France and Italy, find the plan difficult to swallow.

Irish Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, too, has made it clear that he is not thrilled by Brussels’ idea. In a letter to EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, the Irish minister said he was “We are sorry” by the commission’s push to “Demonize” red meat.

McConalogue insisted that “In appropriate portions, red meat and processed products can play an important role as sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals for a balanced, healthy diet.

He went on to argue that “this unfortunate wording has undermined what should be a positive message about the EU’s commitment to promoting quality and safety, sustainability and a healthy diet.

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