New pathogen found in beef and cow's milk products – BfR opinion

How much of the recently discovered pathogens in cow's milk and beef are dangerous?

Newly discovered pathogens in beef and cow's milk products may increase the risk of cancer, warns the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). At present, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) commented on the subject and made recommendations to address the new findings.

A little over two months ago, cancer research identified cow's milk and beef as the cause of cancerous tumors. Since then, the issue of practical recommendations that consumers can draw from it is open. In a recent press release, the BfR made an badessment and recommended an action.

BMMF cause inflammation

In February, DKFZ published new information on infectious agents called "milk and bovine meat factors" (BMMF), stressing that pathogens cause inflammation and thus an indirect link between the consumption of various foods and Bovine origin and the occurrence of certain types of cancer in humans. The new pathogen has been detected in cow's milk, cow's milk products and in the blood serum of healthy cattle.

Infection in infancy?

According to the DKFZ, BMMF is a type of pathogen similar to viruses and bacteria. Given their relationship with plasmids, they are commonly called "plasmidomes," says BfR. Primarily on the basis of epidemiological observations, the DKFZ badumes "that consumption of dairy products and / or beef may result in BMMF infection, particularly in infancy, due to the immature immune system." Infants with an immature immune system Infect the cow's milk with BMMF during the first year of life, so the hypothesis.

Insufficient data for clear statements

With the Max Rubner Institute (MRI), the BfR has now evaluated the results of the DKFZ. FMCR-related cancer risk factor statements are "attributable to the lack of data that can not be found here," therefore summarizes the badessment. However, the suspected badociation between BMMF and the onset of cancer needs to be explored further. With regard to nutrition, BfR and MRI recommend limiting meat consumption to a maximum of 600 grams per week, with epidemiological studies showing a link between red and processed meat consumption and increased risk of colon cancer.

Further research is urgently needed

"On the other hand, according to the current state of knowledge, the consumption of cow's milk continues to be fully recommended," says the BfR. The DKFZ, on the other hand, advised children under one year of age not to be fed or fed on cow's milk, otherwise they would be infected with BMMF. However, the actual risk posed by newly discovered pathogens remains unclear and future research needs to follow quickly. (Fp)