The World Health Organisation (WHO) has clarified its position on red and processed meats, after it received queries on research it published earlier this week.

The report classified them as 'carcinogenic to humans', and said there was a link between processed meat and bowel cancer.

Now it says it is not calling for people to stop eating red and processed meats altogether - but recommends reducing consumption to lower the risk of cancer.

The WHO has published a clarification on the matter: saying instead of banning preserved meat we should reduce our consumption of it.

A statement from the WHO said the report advised people not to stop eating meat but "to moderate consumption of preserved meat to reduce the risk of cancer".

The report "does not ask people to stop eating processed meats but indicates that reducing consumption of these products can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer," the statement added.

Gregory Härtl is a spokesperson for WHO. He told Breakfast they are now working to put numbers to the advice so people can have clear guidelines to follow.