Health professionals call for removal of processed meats from hospitals, schools

In an open letter, 164 Canadian doctors, dietitians and health professionals are urging federal and provincial governments to remove processed meats from hospital and school menus.

The professionals highlight that bacon, ham, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats are classified by the World Health Organization as Group 1 carcinogens. They note that 50 grams of these foods per day increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 per cent, which in Canada amounts to an estimated 5,000 preventable cases annually.

“Continuing to serve processed meats in hospitals and schools undermines both public health and environmental goals. Removing these known carcinogens from institutional menus can prevent disease, reduce healthcare costs, and model healthier, more sustainable food systems,” said Dr. Zahra Kassam, a radiation oncologist at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre and an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto.

The letter outlines the strong link between red and processed meats and heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and premature mortality. It cites that rates of type 2 diabetes among Canadian youth rose by 60 per cent in the past decade, and cancer is now the leading cause of premature death in the country.

The health professionals call for:

• phasing out of processed meats from hospital and school menus;
• establishing nutrition standards for public institutions that align with evidence on chronic disease prevention and sustainability; and
• launching a national education campaign to raise awareness of the health risks of processed meat and the benefits of healthier alternatives.