OK, we all know that to many hot dogs are not that good for us (even if they are great for summer barbecues near the pool), but one Washington, D.C.-based group is suing to force hot dog manufacturers put warning labels on their product.

Today, The Cancer Project filed a lawsuit in Superior Court in Newark on behalf of three New Jersey residents, saying that hot dog makers are failing to warn consumers that eating hot dogs may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

The group sued Nathan’s Famous, Kraft Foods/Oscar Mayer, Sara Lee, Con Agra Foods, and Marathon Enterprises, and said in the lawsuit that the companies need to put the following warning on their labels:

Warning: Consuming hot dogs and other processed meats increases the risk of cancer.”

For evidence, the group references a 2007 study published by the American Institute for Cancer Research that found that eating one 50-gram serving of processed meat (about the amount in one hot dog) a day increases the risk of colorectal cancer, on average, by 21 percent.

What do you think? Are hot dogs “as American as baseball and apple pie,” or are they potential killers? Sound off by posting a comment below!

Image on The Cancer Project's Web site

Pistache at 101 N. Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach serves a French-style dog topped with swiss cheese. The mustard? Dijon, of course. Allen Eyestone/The Post

We’re coming up on Bastille Day (Tuesday), so what better opportunity to enjoy French cuisine. Here are five places that specialize in all things Gallic:

Pistache: The downtown West Palm Beach restaurant is getting a jump start on the Bastille Day festivities with a block party-style celebration on Saturday from 3 p.m. to midnight, rain or shine (some events will take place inside the restaurant). Read the full story

Joey Chestnut chomped down a record 68 hot dogs, capturing his third straight July Fourth hot-dog eating contest at Coney Island, an annual showcase for flamboyant hot dogging contestants eager to show they really are what they eat.

Chestnut of San Jose, Calif., hoisted the American flag and then stood proudly like an Olympic athlete as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played following his 68 to 64 1/2 dog victory over his archrival, six-time titleholder Takeru Kobayashi.

As soon as he knew he had won, he shot his right fist into the air, his mouth still bulging while he chewed the last of his wieners at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest.

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It’s the big Fourth of July weekend, which means it’s time to enjoy some hot dogs. We’ve already given you a top dog — Roger Dean Stadium and its Dean Dog — in our Wednesday Accent story on all-American foods.
But in case you’re still hungry, here are five more:

Dune Dog Café: This Jupiter favorite serves kosher beef dogs in several styles, from plain (the Naked Dog) to fully dressed (Leroy Brown’s Junkyard Dog). 775 N. Alternate A1A, (561) 744-6667. (And check out their Palm Beach Gardens offshoot: Dune Dog Express, 9920 Alternate A1A, (561) 622-8770). Read the full story

Southwestern chili dogs also top that wiener with chopped avocado, scallions and tortilla chips. Photo by Pam Brandon.

This Fourth of July, why not grill a dog that’s truly hot? Mustard your courage, relish something new and ketchup with old friends.

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