Meat?
Processed meat refers to meat that has been modified to improve its flavor, appearance, or shelf life.
Common methods include:
- Curing
- Salting
- Smoking
- Fermenting
- Drying
- Adding preservatives
Examples include:
- Bacon
- Sausages
- Hot dogs
- Ham
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Corned beef
- Some packaged deli meats
Not every processed meat product is identical.
The ingredients, preparation methods, sodium content, preservatives, and fat content can vary considerably.
Why Is Processed Meat a Concern?
One reason processed meat receives attention from health researchers is that it can contain several components that may be harmful when