I like hot dogs but I only eat one a a few times a year at most. I've known all my life they are one of the many foods that aren't good for me, but in moderation I don't worry too much about it.

A non-profit called the Cancer Project is very worried about it. Starting tomorrow they're posting on a giant, digital billboard the following...

"WARNING: Hot dogs can strike you out - for good."

It has a picture of hot dogs in a cigarette box labeled "Unlucky Strike."

They're strategically putting the billboard along I-70 near the airport so out-of-towners coming in for the All-Star game get a look and will think twice before buying a hot dog or three at Busch Stadium or anywhere else.

The Cancer Project is also sending a letter to baseball commissioner Bud Selig urging MLB to post signs near hot dog vendors in stadiums that say "WARNING: Eating hot dogs and other processed meats is associated with increased risk of cancer."

Last I checked, sports stadiums aren't known for their healthy choices, so those who by-pass the hot dog likely aren't doing themselves much more of a favor by getting the nachos, fries or cotton candy.

I think it's great a non-profit like the Cancer Project is spending time and effort to try to get people to make healthier choices, but when it comes to hot dogs, I believe most of us know they are not part of a nutritious diet... in fact they are one of the worst foods you can eat.

But I say as long as you don't over do it, enjoy a hot dog at the old ballgame once in a while.

1 Comments

Thomas Super said:

The Cancer Project is funded and operated by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a vegan, animal rights group whose views are closely aligned with PETA. I encourage you to visit www.meatsafety.org/meat-and-cancer-myths.

The causes of cancer are extremely complex. Just as consumers need to eat a healthy, balanced diet, they need balanced information. When it comes to cancer, check with credible health sources like your doctor, dietician or the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

I would also like to address your statement that hot dogs "are one of the worst foods you can eat." A typical beef and pork hot dog ranges anywhere from about 169-200 calories, 15-18g of fat and 600mg of sodium. Cheese fries with ranch dressing, just one example, contain 2,600 calories, 160g of fat and 3,370mg of sodium.

There are also dozens of hot dog choices in the meat case to fit your specific dietary needs, including fat-free, low- fat, low-sodium and turkey dogs, just to name a few. So to say hot dogs are one of the worst foods you can eat is simply not true and factually inaccurate.

I would be happy to provide numerous studies that show hot dogs, and processed meats cured with sodium nitrite in general, are part of a safe, healthy and balanced diet.

Thomas Super
American Meat Institute, Dir. of Media Outreach
tsuper@meatami.com
202-587-4238

July 1, 2009 1:53 PM

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