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

Just in time for Turkey Day, Sara Lee Pumpkin Cheesecake is available in the freezer case.

It’s light and fluffy, with a delicate pumpkin taste, spicy notes and a graham-cracker crust. Tasters liked the flavors and consistency, saying it wouldn’t be as filling as many other more dense holiday desserts. It could be decorated with cranberries, pecans or whipped cream to fake out the mother-in-law – remember to plate it and throw away the box before she comes! $6.59 (for six servings) at all major grocery stores.
The sides looked a little rough when I thawed mine. If that happens, Grind nuts in the blender or food processor, and press them (or graham cracker crumbs, around the edge. Hold the cheesecake in one hand (hand under base). Scoop up nuts or crumbs in the other hand, and apply to sides, letting some fall away. Scoop up more and repeat around the sides, until you have an even layer.