I found those (contradictory) links as well, and many similar. But I can't find a source such as a well-known educational, government, national health-type organization that I can quote.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons not to eat this or that (I'm an omnivore) but my friend's reasoning just doesn't add up. I mean, I don't care if he eats bacon or not, more for me. But I'd like to think he was making an informed decision, not based on something that could come from Snopes.