Bacon
Bacon is a processed meat. IARC classified processed meat as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), based on sufficient evidence linking consumption to colorectal cancer.
What it is
Cured pork product, typically from pork belly, preserved with salt and nitrite/nitrate and often smoked.
Cured/processed meat ingredient and standalone food.
Why it's flagged
- Whole-food ingredient; cured-meat nitrite is captured in its own canonical.
- IARC Group 1 carcinogen (processed meat)
- ~18% increased colorectal cancer risk per 50g/day
- High in saturated fat and sodium
- Contains nitrites and N-nitroso compounds
What regulators actually say
"Processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence in humans that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer."
"Each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%."
"Ingested nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
USDA-FSIS regulated; nitrite residual limits enforced; ascorbate co-addition required to limit nitrosamine formation.
European Union — EFSA
Processed meat consumption linked to elevated colorectal cancer risk per IARC; nitrite limits set by EU.
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