Are Smoked Meats Bad for Your Health?

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Are Smoked Meats Bad for Your Health? - Cleveland Clinic​

They’re classified as carcinogenic because of their link to cancer

There’s nothing like the smell of smoked meats in the summer. If you’ve ever stepped outside and breathed in the aroma of a neighbor firing up the wood smoker, you know how mouth-watering the simple thought of such a meal can be — not to mention the taste.

But back away from the brisket and put down the pork butt, as there are some serious health concerns you should know about before planning your next feast. Registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, RD, gets to the meat of the issue.

What’s wrong with smoked meats?​

In short, smoked meat is contaminated meat.

When you hear the term “contaminated food,” you might imagine clear signs of nastiness, like a bad taste, a foul odor or a weird color. But here’s the trouble with smoked meats: The same process that makes them taste so good also contaminates them.