Are processed meat products harmful?

Chemicals called nitrates are used in the meat industry to cure meats, control the growth of bacteria, add a more appealing pink colour, and increase the shelf life of products.

They are found in processed and cured meats such as salami, frankfurts, lunchmeats and meat in canned soup products as well as vegetables and drinking water. Although animal studies have shown nitrates cause stomach cancer in animals,  researchers are uncertain whether nitrates cause cancer in humans as studies have shown varying results. Many studies have investigated nitrate exposure by evaluating cured meat or nitrate-cured food consumption. Although it is difficult to establish whether it is the nitrates that is responsible for the development of cancer, or whether another compound in meats such as heterocyclic amines, or the salt that is often used in these foods.