Health

Lawsuit Filed to Print Warning Labels on Hot Dogs

by Alyzee | July 30, 2009 at 03:38 pm

232 views | 12 Recommendations | 2 comments

An anti-meat consumption group are insisting that hot dogs are a serious health threat. They are pushing for Oscar Meyer wieners and other processed meat products to include a health warning on their packaging. The lawsuit was filed by The Cancer Project after three New Jersey residents brought their concerns to its attention.

he plaintiffs envision a warning label similar to the one on cigarette packages. The wording would look something like: "Warning: Consuming hot dogs and other processed meats increases the risk of cancer."

The suit notes that a two-year-old study from the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that eating the amount of processed meat in a single hot dog -- about 2 ounces -- every day increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 21%. That study recommends limiting red meat consumption to 18 ounces per week, and avoiding processed meats altogether.

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Mary Richard

at 21:49 on July 30th, 2009

I'm not anti- meat, but I absolutely agree, there should be warnings on processed red meats. As much as we might love them, they're certainly NOT good for you, and should be eaten only in moderation.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. Its conclusion is rocking the health world with startling bluntness: Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption.

Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals. They are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. This is used as a color fixer by meat companies to turn packaged meats a bright red color so they look fresh. Unfortunately, sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body. And this leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk for those who eat them.

Best Diet for You (not verified)

at 05:46 on August 5th, 2009

Before I jump on the band wagon for warning labels, I would like to know if the American Institute for Cancer Research's study adjusted their findings in consideration of other health factors, and diet and would also like to know the size of the study. But with that said, thank you Blue Crush for the additional information. It's not just the 'hot dogs' or just red meat, it's the accumulation of all the processed meats in addition to 'hot dogs' that could tip the scales toward cancer.