A short interesting article. Is Smoked Meat Safe?

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http://fattybombatty.com/?page_id=38

Is Smoked Meat Safe?

Is it safe to eat all the time, or is there a health risk to regular consumption?Anything smoked or cured you buy at the grocery store contains nitrates as a preservative, and if the label says ‘smoked’, it is typically done with chemicals (like liquid smoke). By smoking meats at home, you eliminate the need for all of these preservatives. The same goes for most foods you cook at home when compared versus any pre-made food.

Other than undercooked meat (not reaching the appropriate internal temperature), and the concerns about preservatives that aren’t present in home smoked meat, I have read no heath concerns for eating smoked meat. Eating too much meat in any form can be problematic of course, but that is a completely different issue.

As a side note, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a potential health issue with consuming too much grilled food. Some site assert that because smoking is done at low temperatures, the PAHs aren’t as prevalent. I have yet to find definitive evidence one way or the other, so I will continue researching until I find some scientific evidence. Regardless of their presence, eating smoked meat in a reasonable amount, and in conjunction with a healthy diet shouldn’t be a health risk.