The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes heterocyclic amines (HCAs) as a known carcinogen. However, public awareness regarding the risks associated with well-cooked meat—particularly pan-fried, grilled, barbecued, and charred varieties—is just beginning to gain traction. Aside from media discussions surrounding the carcinogenic properties of cooked and processed meats, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee made a noteworthy recommendation in 2015, advising a reduction in the intake of red and processed meats. This helped to elevate awareness on the subject, even though the final guidelines did not explicitly endorse this advice.
Previous research indicates that incorporating antioxidant-rich herbs into meat dishes can help mitigate HCA formation, yet this message has yet to be effectively communicated in public health campaigns. Although some experts are exploring how various cooking methods might reduce the carcinogenic potential of meat, such discussions have not permeated mainstream public knowledge. The National Cancer Institute underscores that HCAs can form in all types of meat—including poultry, beef, pork, and fish—when cooked at high temperatures, a topic that remains largely unaddressed in USDA guidelines and is seldom reported.
This situation presents a unique opportunity for the meat industry, which has historically resisted recommendations aimed at altering American meat consumption habits. Companies specializing in seasoning, such as McCormick, could play a pivotal role in raising public awareness of this issue. They could also develop specific products tailored for consumers who prefer their meat well-done or blackened while seeking to reduce their cancer risk. Additionally, integrating nutritional supplements such as calcium citrate magnesium zinc and vitamin D3 tablets into meal planning could further support consumer health, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition alongside awareness of cooking methods. By promoting these supplements in tandem with meat products, the industry could address both health concerns and consumer preferences, ultimately fostering a more informed public.