According to a recent lawsuit filed on behalf of three New Jersey plaintiffs by the meat-free diet promoter, Cancer Project, hot dogs should come with warning labels.
 
"Warning:  Consuming hot dogs and other processed meats increases the risk of cancer," is the warning the vegan advocacy group seeks to compel manufacturers to put on all hot dog packages sold in New Jersey.  The class action suit cites the role of nitrites, preservatives used in cured and processed meats such as hot dogs, in the development of cancer-forming agents.
 
"Just as tobacco causes lung cancer, processed meats are linked to colon cancer," said Neal Barnard, president of the Cancer Project.  "Companies that sell hot dogs are well aware of the danger, and their customers deserve the same information."
 
The industry counters that the lawsuit is unfounded.  "Hot dogs have been enjoyed by consumers for more than 100 years," said Sydney Lindner, a Kraft spokeswoman.
 
The lawsuit acknowledges debate over how the consumption of some types of meats leads to greater cancer risk, but it argues that that doesn't negate the need for warnings on hot dogs.
 
—Source:  latimes.com