Should Hot Dogs Have Warning Labels?
posted by: Heather Moore 200 days ago
On Wednesday, July 22, the Cancer Project, an affiliate of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit organization that advocates vegetarianism and alternatives to animal research, filed a class-action consumer fraud lawsuit to require hot dog manufacturers to place warning labels on hot dog packages sold in New Jersey. The labels would read, "Warning: Consuming hot dogs and other processed meats increases the risk of cancer."
According to PCRM’s press release, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of three New Jersey residents who purchased hot dogs without knowing that processed meats contribute to colorectal cancer.
Studies show that there is conclusive link between meat consumption and colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society even warns, "A diet that is high in red meats (beef, lamb, or liver) and processed meats such as hot dogs, bologna, and lunch meat can increase your colorectal cancer risk."
Does this mean the hot dog companies should be required to inform potential customers about the risks involved? Well, why not? Some people will say that an occassional hot dog won't hurt anyone, and that most people already know that hot dogs aren't a healthy food. But, for the many people who struggle to eat "in moderation," or don't even attempt too, warning labels might make it harder for them to remain willfully ignorant, eating meats every day of every week and contributing to America’s skyrocketing health care costs.
Cigarettes carry warnings stating that smoking causes cancer; why not meat? While we can't entirely avoid every unhealthy food, compound, or toxin there is, we can identify the major disease culprits. Warning labels may not prevent people from eating hot dogs altogether--they can still choose to eat as many as the wish--but perhaps labels will make them more mindful of their eating habits.
Personally, I'd rather see labels reminding hot dog consumers that "this package contains the flesh of a smart, social pig who was slaughtered in a bloody, violent way." That way, even consumers who claim that just a few hot dogs won’t hurt them, will still have to acknowledge that the same sentiment doesn't apply to pigs.
Hot dog fans have healthier, humane options. Smart Dogs, Tofu Pups, and Not Dogs are just a few of the great-tasting veggie dogs available. While they may not necessarily count as "health food," they are cholesterol-free, low in fat and calories, and far less likely to contribute to colorectal cancer. Whether the Cancer Project's lawsuit is successful or not, consumers can feel confident that veggie dogs are a smarter, kinder choice.
According to PCRM’s press release, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of three New Jersey residents who purchased hot dogs without knowing that processed meats contribute to colorectal cancer.
Studies show that there is conclusive link between meat consumption and colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society even warns, "A diet that is high in red meats (beef, lamb, or liver) and processed meats such as hot dogs, bologna, and lunch meat can increase your colorectal cancer risk."
Does this mean the hot dog companies should be required to inform potential customers about the risks involved? Well, why not? Some people will say that an occassional hot dog won't hurt anyone, and that most people already know that hot dogs aren't a healthy food. But, for the many people who struggle to eat "in moderation," or don't even attempt too, warning labels might make it harder for them to remain willfully ignorant, eating meats every day of every week and contributing to America’s skyrocketing health care costs.
Cigarettes carry warnings stating that smoking causes cancer; why not meat? While we can't entirely avoid every unhealthy food, compound, or toxin there is, we can identify the major disease culprits. Warning labels may not prevent people from eating hot dogs altogether--they can still choose to eat as many as the wish--but perhaps labels will make them more mindful of their eating habits.
Personally, I'd rather see labels reminding hot dog consumers that "this package contains the flesh of a smart, social pig who was slaughtered in a bloody, violent way." That way, even consumers who claim that just a few hot dogs won’t hurt them, will still have to acknowledge that the same sentiment doesn't apply to pigs.
Hot dog fans have healthier, humane options. Smart Dogs, Tofu Pups, and Not Dogs are just a few of the great-tasting veggie dogs available. While they may not necessarily count as "health food," they are cholesterol-free, low in fat and calories, and far less likely to contribute to colorectal cancer. Whether the Cancer Project's lawsuit is successful or not, consumers can feel confident that veggie dogs are a smarter, kinder choice.
Read more: health policy
comments
Thomas S,
No, I have never had a Chicago dog. Sounds like it could be yummy! Can you tell me how to make one?
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why is this inappropriate?
I see it just the opposite. I'm a carnivorian as a moral choice, as it's wrong to harm defenseless plant life.
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why is this inappropriate?
I believe in avoiding causing suffering to animals as much as possible. It's easy when it comes to eating meat: I get along with occasional seafood. But I'm also unwilling to give up milk products, the production of which involves the necessary killing of a calf. And it is very difficult to stay healthy on a vegan diet (and would be impossible if we didn't have Vitamin B12 pills). So I know this larger issue is not an easy one to cope with.
I think we should do what we can to relieve the suffering of food animals, for selfish as well as compassionate reasons. When they live in cramped, dirty conditions, we pay with antibiotic resistance and groundwater pollution. People who kill animals as part of their jobs (in both slaughterhouses and labs) also suffer psychologically, especially if they use brutal methods.
I hope that we can work toward humane solutions to these problems with both our ingenuity and self-restraint.
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why is this inappropriate?
I would be surprised if Hotdogs contained more than 4% pork meat! If Hotdogs contained 100% pure pork meat with no additives, pork dirivatives and other rubbish, there would be no health problem....they might even taste quite nice too and not like cotton wool!!
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why is this inappropriate?
Like it or not, humans are still animals and so are still part of nature.
Nature is cruel. We can no more stop people from eating meat than we can stop other animals from eating meat. Mommy cats will always catch small, furry creatures and give them, still quite alive, to their offspring to be slowly tortured and killed for the amusement and education of the kittens, and I and so many others will always look forward to an occasional juicy New York strip and a bottle of Rioja.
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why is this inappropriate?
i agree! they need to put those warning labels!
haha good thing im a vegeatarian!! :)
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why is this inappropriate?
Have you heard of the term "cognitive dissonance?"
http://animalrights.change.org/blog/view/your_dog_versus_your_dinner
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why is this inappropriate?
Yes.
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why is this inappropriate?
Thomas and Byron,
Do you agree that we need to reduce and/or eliminate animal suffering, abuse and torture? It's a yes or no question.
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why is this inappropriate?
"Smart Dogs, Tofu Pups, and Not Dogs are just a few of the great-tasting veggie dogs available."
Apparently vegetarians have no sense of taste. The aformentioned substitutes are not even in the same ballpark when it comes to taste. Healthier, I will grant you, but if you try to sell me on them being great tasting you just lost your whole argument.
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why is this inappropriate?
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