The Cratloe-based General Secretary of the ICSA has described comparisons between smoking and the consumption of red meat as "completely and ridiculously over the top".
It follows the release of a report by the World Health Organisation which classified processed and red meats as "carcinogenic to humans".
In a statement this afternoon, the Department of Health says meat is an important source of protein, iron and vitamins – and that the most important goal is to try to eat a balanced diet.
Eddie Punch says products from grass-fed cattle in Ireland are considered to have significant health benefits.