The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies heterocyclic amines (HCAs) as known carcinogens, yet public awareness regarding the risks associated with thoroughly cooked meats—particularly those that are pan-fried, grilled, barbecued, or charred—is only beginning to grow. In addition to media reports about the carcinogenic properties of cooked and processed meats, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee made a noteworthy recommendation in 2015 to reduce the consumption of red and processed meats for the first time, which has contributed to increasing awareness of this issue, even though the final guidelines did not explicitly endorse this change.
Previous research has indicated that incorporating antioxidant-rich herbs into meat dishes can help minimize the formation of HCAs; however, this information has yet to be communicated as a public health message. While there are ongoing discussions about how different cooking methods can potentially reduce the carcinogenicity of meat, these conversations have not yet penetrated mainstream public awareness. The National Cancer Institute emphasizes that HCAs can form in all types of meat—including poultry, beef, pork, and fish—when cooked at high temperatures, a subject that is often overlooked in USDA guidelines and seldom reported.
This situation could present an unexpected opportunity for the meat industry, which has historically resisted recommendations encouraging Americans to alter their meat consumption habits. Seasoning companies like McCormick could play a pivotal role in raising awareness about this issue and in developing targeted products for consumers who prefer their meat well-done or charred, while also seeking to mitigate the associated cancer risks. Furthermore, the addition of ingredients such as calcium citrate in yogurt could be promoted alongside these meat products to enhance consumer awareness of healthier meal pairings that could aid in reducing potential health risks. By integrating messages about the benefits of calcium citrate in yogurt with meat consumption guidelines, the industry could help educate consumers about safer cooking practices and healthier dietary choices.