Experts are sounding the alarm over a common food that – in any quantity – may increase the risk of chronic diseases. 

Processed meat items such as sausages, bacon, ham, salami, pepperoni, and jerky have long been staple American foods.

However, scientists are now warning that no amount of processed meats of any kind is safe to consume. 

Researchers from across the US have found that people who eat processed meat, even as little as one hot dog a day, have an 11 percent greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Additionally, they found that those who eat processed meat have a seven percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, as well as a two percent higher risk of ischemic heart disease. 

In the US, the processed meat market is a substantial industry with revenue projected to reach $43.49 billion in 2025, and the CDC reports over 75 million adults eat processed fast foods every day. 

Previous research has shown that consuming excessive amounts of sodium, nitrates and chemical preservatives found in these products can harm cell DNA and create cancerous tumors in the heart, as well as the colon. 

These substances can also damage pancreatic cells – contributing to Type 2 diabetes. 

Researchers from across the US have found that people who eat processed meat, even as little as one hot dog a day, had an 11 percent greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Researchers analyzed over 60 other studies to find out whether processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fatty acids can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and ischemic heart disease (IHD), a condition in which the heart muscles do not receive enough blood and oxygen due to narrowed or blocked arteries. 

Over time, this can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.

Once they collected data from other studies, the scientists evaluated it using the burden-of-proof method – a newer type of meta-analysis that looks at both how strong and how many links are between diet and disease.

Results showed that people who ate 50g of processed meat daily – the equivalent of two slices of ham – had a 30 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not eat any processed meat. 

Furthermore, they also found that those who ate 50g of processed meat daily had a 26 percent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

No such link was found between eating 50g of meat and IHD.

Additionally, the researchers also found that drinking a 12oz sugar-filled soda every day was associated with an eight percent increase in Type 2 diabetes risk and a two percent increased risk of IHD.

Dr Mingyang Song, associate professor of clinical epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who was not involved in the study commented: ‘When we look at the actual data there, it’s really remarkably consistent and remarkably strong, and even in the lower dose of consumption, we can still see an increased risk of disease.’ 

Since this study – published in Nature Medicine – was observational, it only found associations between eating habits and diseases rather than a direct link between what people ate that caused the disease. 

However, previous research has shown that processed meats, preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or the addition of chemical preservatives, can contain harmful compounds, such as carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). 

These carcinogens can harm cell DNA and pave the way for the development of cancerous tumors in the colon.

Furthermore, previous research shows that chemicals like nitrosamines, formed from preservatives in processed meats, may harm pancreatic cells, leading to lower insulin levels. 

When these cells are damaged, they may not produce enough insulin – forcing the body to become less responsive to the insulin that is produced, a condition known as insulin resistance. 

This could lead to high blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes. 

Additionally, processed meat is often high in saturated fat, which has previously been linked to increased inflammation in the heart.

It is also filled with sodium and nitrates – both of which can increase bad cholesterol, increase blood pressure and potentially lead to tumors in the heart, as well as the colon. 

Dr Song recommends cutting back on eating processed meats, sugary drinks and avoiding hydrogenated fats where possible. 

Additionally, processed meat is often high in saturated fat which has previously been linked to increasing inflammation in the heart

Dr Nita Forouhi, head of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Cambridge who was not involved in the study, added: ‘A good diet is not just about what to avoid. It’s also important to get good nutrients. 

‘Wider research has shown us that overall dietary patterns that include higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fermented dairy products like yogurt are good for health and longevity.’

Over 50,000 Americans are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year, while 150,000 are predicted to be diagnosed with the disease. 

While still a minority, experts remain concerned about increasing cases among younger people as officials estimate 2,600 new cases among those under 50.

Studies also suggest that cases in people between 20 to 24 have risen by 185 percent as of 2024. 

Additionally, over 37 million American adults suffer from Type 2 diabetes. The CDC reports that over 100,000 Americans die of the condition every year. 

Ischemic heart disease also affects over 16 million Americans, of whom over 300,000 die of the condition.