This week the World Health Organization confirmed findings of a link between processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer – sparking fierce debate in and around the industry. Elsewhere, Snyder's-Lance agreed a deal to buy Kettle Chips owner Diamond Foods for US$1.91bn. And just-food interviewed Bonduelle CFO Gregory Sanson, who hinted at the firm's renewed ambitions for M&A. Here is the week in quotes.

"For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed. "In view of the large number of people who consume processed meat, the global impact on cancer incidence is of public health importance" – Dr Kurt Straif, head of the IARC monographs programme comments on the World Health Organization's latest findings that there is a link between processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer.

"Thanks to the fact we didn't have any additional acquisitions over the last three years, we have clearly deleveraged the company, so we have now both human and financial resources to consider a new opportunity" – Bonduelle CFO Gregory Sanson underlines the French vegetables group's readiness for more acquisitions.

"We think that Lance has been evaluating Diamond for some time, and we think that Lance has a number of tools to close the deal. We have long desired a tie-up between the two, as the combined entity should be able to drive solid cost synergies related to procurement, operation and distribution, alongside sizeable revenue synergies, that latter of which are currently not factored in" – Brett Hundley, CFA at BB&T Capital Markets praises Snyder's-Lance's acquisition of Diamond Foods.

"These three New York factories are under close review and an announcement about their future will be communicated in the next week or so" – a spokesperson for Kraft Heinz Co. confirms three New York plants are under review following speculation 950 jobs could go at the firm.

"The level of losses incurred was not acceptable and the Board have taken steps to ensure that they do not recur" – Jim Paice, outgoing chairman at First Milk, criticises the level of losses the UK dairy co-op has reported for the last year.

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"After 28 years, we deeply regret that Asda has decided to move the supply of chilled, ethnic ready meals to another business. We have worked desperately hard to try and save the business in a very short space of time, but, having explored many different options and rescue packages, we have no alternative but to appointment administrators" – Perween Warsi, CEO of S&A Foods, says a contract loss to supply Asda has resulted in the UK company being taken over by administrators.

"Caring for our environment as well as our entire supply chain from end-to-end is more than usual corporate responsibility. It's an imperative for Mars Food. Through the global standard, we hope to create benefits for all involved from the farmers to our consumers" – Fiona Dawson, president of Mars Inc's non-confectionery Mars Food business unit on the company's pledge to source all of its rice sustainably by 2020.

"A company is not transparent when secretly funnelling millions of dollars into anti-GMO labelling campaigns. It's time for General Mills to start a real dialogue with consumers about their legitimate right to know what’s in the food they eat and buy" – Heather Kurth Flesland, campaign director of Right to Know, takes aim at General Mills over GMOs.

"Our Anchor fortified milk frink is a highly nutritious product and we want it in the hands of millions of Ethiopian children. Affordability is paramount and we’ve partnered with local food processor Faffa Foods to ensure we keep costs low and get our product out across the country" – Fonterra’s global brands and nutrition MD Rene Dedoncker on the company's launch of Anchor products in Ethiopia.

"We are aware from our presence in the Asia region that there is significant demand for infant formula and we believe that, with the combination of Blackmores and Bega, we're uniquely positioned to support those women unable to breastfeed" – Bega Cheese and Blackmores announce a joint venture agreement to produce infant formula and nutritional foods.