Cooked Ham
Cooked ham is a processed meat. IARC classified processed meat as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) in 2015, with sufficient evidence for colorectal cancer.
What it is
Pork meat (typically from the hind leg) that has been brine- or wet-cured and cooked; usually contains nitrite or nitrate as a preservative.
Processed meat product consumed as deli meat or ingredient.
Why it's flagged
- Whole-food ingredient.
- IARC Group 1 carcinogen (processed meat)
- high sodium
- nitrite/nitrate content and N-nitrosamine formation
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 about 18%."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
USDA/FSIS jurisdiction for cured meat products.
European Union — EFSA
Conventional processed meat product subject to nitrite/nitrate ADI.
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