Petition · past parliament
Make it a requirement to label processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen
Closed
320 signatures
What the petition asks
Cigarettes are classified by the WHO's IARC as a group 1 carcinogen. This means they do cause cancer, and legally require a warning on the packaging. Processed meat is classified in the same group, and people are often unaware of the dangers it poses to human health, so should also have a warning.
As stated before, the WHO has conducted studies into the carcinogenicity of meat. They have been able to conclude that processed meat is a Group 1 carcinogen, and red meat is a group 2A carcinogen. Group 1 means there's sufficient evidence to suggest it DOES cause cancer, and group 2A means it likely causes cancer. Other items in group 1 include plutonium, asbestos, and other, incredibly harmful products. Yet meat is available for purchase, and even advertised on television. This needs to change
Timeline
| 12 Apr 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 26 Oct 2022 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
320
Status
Closed
Opened
12 Apr 2022
Closed
26 Oct 2022
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.