Correction: Hot Dogs-Cancer Story

WASHINGTON - In a July story about a lawsuit demanding cancer warning labels on hot dogs, The Associated Press reported erroneously on the research cited by the advocacy group bringing the suit. The group is correct that some studies link processed meats to colon cancer; the story's characterization of the evidence was incorrect.

The suit, filed by a Washington-based nutrition advocacy group, seeks warning labels on processed meats sold in New Jersey, arguing that nitrite preservatives produce carcinogenic compounds when cooked.

The meat industry calls the lawsuit a publicity stunt and notes that nitrites occur naturally in vegetables in far larger quantities, and that federal regulators have reviewed and approved their use in meat for decades.

The American Cancer Society says diets high in processed and red meats are associated with increased colon cancer risk and recommends limiting them, but has not endorsed warning labels.

Nutrition researchers say the practical advice has changed little in years: eat processed meats occasionally, not daily, and mind the overall diet rather than any single food.

A fuller corrected version of the story is available to AP member newspapers.

___

Associated Press writers contributed to this report.

RECOMMEND THIS STORY