The relation of dietary factors to the risk of adenomas of the sigmoid colon was examined in men receiving a retirement health examination at the Self‐Defense Forces Fukuoka Hospital between October 1986 and 1990. A total of 187 adenoma cases and 1557 controls with normal colonoscopy were identified in the series. Cases were further classified into small‐adenoma (<5 mm, n=78) and large‐adenoma (≥5 mm, n=67) groups. The consumptions of selected foods and beverages were ascertained before colonoscopy by means of a self‐administered questionnaire. After adjustment for smoking, alcohol use, rank and body mass index, low rice consumption and high meat intake were independently associated with an increased risk of large adenomas. The risk of small adenomas was not related to either rice consumption or meat intake. Adjusted odds ratios of large adenomas for the low, intermediate and high consumption levels of rice were estimated to be 1.0 (referent), 0.83 and 0.43, respectively (trend P= 0.08), and the corresponding figures for meat consumption were 1.0 (referent), 1.58 and 2.38, respectively (trend P=0.02). The findings suggest that low rice consumption and high meat intake may promote the growth of colon adenomas, thereby increasing the risk of colon cancer.