Pediatric Nutrition: William J. Klish

Are hot dogs unhealthy to serve to my child? I've heard that they contain cancer-causing nitrates -- is this true?

By William Klish, M.D.

The concern over nitrates has been controversial. Nitrates are added to processed meats to give them an appealing red color. For the past 20 or more years, people have questioned whether the human body can convert them to nitrites, which can then be turned into to nitrosomines, which are carcinogenic. To my knowledge, no evidence exits that this can happen and the Food and Drug Administration continues to allow nitrates to be added to processed foods.

While hot dogs are not unhealthy, you still must take care when feeding one to your infant or toddler. Because of their shape and size, hot dogs pose an increased risk of lodging in a child's windpipe and obstructing breathing. To prevent this, you should cut hot dogs in quarters along the axis. This creates a smaller diameter and is therefore safer for your child.

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