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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN — Red meat and processed foods like bacon, sausage, and burgers are contributing to a “sharp increase” in diet-related deaths, a new study warns.

Researchers from Michigan State University say the worldwide increase in processed meat consumption over the last three decades appears to have a connection to over 10,000 more deaths from preventable illnesses related to what people eat in recent years. These conditions include bowel cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Their findings reveal the impact has been greatest in Europe and island nations in the Caribbean and Oceania. Study authors believe health policies should be integrated with agricultural and trade policies among importing and exporting nations “as a matter of urgency” to reduce further preventable deaths.

They explained that the global red and processed meat trade has risen “exponentially” over the last 30 years to meet demand created by factors including continuous urbanization and income growth. However, this trend has implications for the environment because of the impact it has on land use and biodiversity loss.

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