“Hospitals are places of healing. Schools shape lifelong habits. Neither should be serving foods classified as carcinogens.”

January 2026

As physicians, we often meet people at the most vulnerable moments of their lives—when illness has disrupted normalcy, when children are forming lifelong habits, and when families are relying on our healthcare systems to model health, not undermine it.

That is why we were honoured to join hundreds of physicians, dietitians, nurses, and allied health professionals across Canada in signing and submitting a national Open Letter to Health Canada, the Federal Minister of Health, and Provincial Ministers of Health and Education, calling for the removal of processed meats from hospital and school menus.

This letter was formally submitted on January 19, 2026 and It represents one of the most coordinated, evidence-based physician advocacy efforts in Canada focused on institutional food policy.

We share the full text of the letter below so that the public record is transparent, accurate, and accessible.

Open Letter to Health Canada, the Federal Minister of Health, and Provincial Ministers of Education and Health

Re: A Call to Remove Processed Meats from Hospital and School Menus

January 19th, 2026

Dear Ministers and Health Leaders,

As physicians, registered dietitians and allied health professionals, we have come together to express our shared concern about the continued presence of processed meats on hospital and school menus across Canada.

In light of the growing burden of diet-related diseases and in alignment with Canada’s Food Guide and the EAT Lancet Commission on Healthy, Sustainable and Just Food Systems, we respectfully urge a transition toward healthier, more sustainable institutional food environments, beginning with the removal of processed meats from publicly funded hospital and school menus.

Why this matters

Processed meats, such as bacon, ham, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats, are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning there is strong evidence they cause cancer in humans. Just 50 grams per day – the equivalent of one hot dog or two slices of bacon – increases colorectal cancer risk by 18%, contributing to an estimated 5,000 preventable cases annually in Canada. Red meat is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen, meaning it is probably carcinogenic.

Cancer remains the leading cause of premature death in Canada, with 1 in 2 Canadians expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer alone is diagnosed in approximately 25,000 Canadians each year and causes over 9,000 deaths annually. Disturbingly, incidence is rising among those under 50 and is projected to become the leading cause of cancer-related death in this age group.

Beyond cancer, processed and red meat intake is strongly linked to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and premature mortality. Recent trends in children’s health are especially alarming: rates of type 2 diabetes among Canadian youth have risen by 60% over the past decade, putting them at 2–3 times higher risk of death than their peers.

These trends come at a steep cost

• $37.7 billion CAD in cancer care costs in 2024 alone
• $30 billion CAD annually for diabetes
• Over $20 billion CAD annually for cardiovascular disease
• An estimated $13.8 billion CAD annually in economic burden from unhealthy diets comparable to the cost of smoking

These preventable diseases are straining our healthcare system, increasing wait times, contributing to burnout among health workers, and causing significant suffering for Canadians.

An opportunity for alignment

Hospitals are places of healing and recovery; schools are settings that shape children’s development, habits, and health. Continuing to serve known carcinogens and disease-promoting foods in these environments sends a contradictory message that undermines public health guidance and puts our more vulnerable populations at avoidable risk.

Encouragingly, Canada’s 2019 Food Guide emphasizes a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, and specifically advises limiting red and processed meats. Several provinces and institutions, such as Vancouver Coastal Health and the BC and Ontario Ministries of Education, have made strides in reducing processed meat offerings. However, these products still appear regularly on menus across Canada.

We also recognize the role of food systems in addressing broader public health threats such as antibiotic resistance, zoonotic disease risk, and the climate crisis. Industrial red and processed meat production is a leading driver of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Transitioning toward more plant-based institutional food policies is a practical and evidence-based step toward Canada’s environmental goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45–50% by 2035, and net zero by 2050.

Our shared path forward

We believe that by working together, we can create food environments that support recovery, promote long-term health, and model sustainable practices. Several Canadian organizations already specialize in supporting public institutions in making this transition, and are ready to help.

In this spirit, we respectfully recommend the following:

1. Phase out the provision of processed meats from hospital and school menus across Canada.
2. Establish nutrition standards for publicly funded institutions that align with current evidence on chronic disease prevention and sustainability.
3. Launch a national education campaign to raise awareness of the health risks of processed meat and promote healthy, plant-based alternatives.

We offer these recommendations in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. As health professionals dedicated to improving the wellbeing of Canadians, we are eager to support government leaders in realizing a healthier and more sustainable food system—one that reflects our national guidelines and rising public expectations.

We, the undersigned, look forward to working alongside you to advance this important goal.

References

1. Health Canada. Canada’s Dietary Guidelines for Health Professionals and Policy Makers. 2019.
2. Rockstrom J, et al. The EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems. The Lancet.
3. IARC. Carcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meat. Lancet Oncology. 2015.
4. WCRF/AICR. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective. 2018.
5. Shi W, et al. Red meat consumption, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. European Heart Journal. 2023.
6. Alam S, et al. Burden of disease attributable to risk factors in Canada. CMAJ Open. 2019.
7. Zhong VW, et al. Processed meat and cardiovascular disease and mortality. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2020.
8. Li C, et al. Meat consumption and type 2 diabetes. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2024.
9. Amed S, et al. Type 2 diabetes in Canadian children. Diabetes Care. 2010.
10. Ugai T, et al. Early-onset cancer trends. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology. 2022.
11. Zhao J, et al. Global trends in early-onset cancer. BMJ Oncology. 2023.
12. Diabetes Canada. Diabetes rates continue to climb in Canada. 2022.
13. Clark MA, et al. Multiple health and environmental impacts of foods. PNAS. 2019.
14. Poore J, Nemecek T. Reducing food’s environmental impacts. Science. 2018.
15. Lancet Countdown Canada Report. 2024.
16. Canadian Cancer Society. Economic Impact of Cancer in Canada. 2024.
17. Lieffers JRL, et al. Economic burden of not meeting food recommendations in Canada. PLoS ONE. 2018.

Canadian Healthcare Professional Signatories

Corresponding signatory:
Dr. Zahra Kassam MBBS, MSc, FRCPC DipABLM, Radiation Oncologist, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Plant-Based Canada (Director)

Dr. Maria E. Theodorou, MD, PhD, FRCPC DipABLM, Assistant Professor, Queen’s University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Consultant Internist, LifestyleRx and Aroga Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Sheila Lakhoo, MD CCFP DipABLM, Family Physician
Dr. Amardeep Singh Mangat, Internal Medicine, Lecturer, University of Toronto, Deans Council TMU School of Medicine, Medical Director Aroga Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Irina Ghenea, MD, CFPC, Family Physician
Dr. Phil Narini, MSc, MD, FRCSC, FACS, Taunton Surgical Centre, Mindful Mind Café
Dr. Arjun Rayapudi, MD, FRCSC, FACS, General Surgeon, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Memorial University
Dr. Shobha Rayapudi, MD, ScM, DipABLM, Wellness Director of Gift of Health (Co-founder)
Dr. Michael Klaper, MD, DipABLM, Program Director Moving Medicine Forward
Dr. Sarah Keating, MD, FRCPC, MSc, Associate Professor Emerita, University of Toronto, Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation
Dr. Marianne Trevorrow, ND MSCP, Editor-in-Chief, CAND Journal
Dr Reena Chada, The Christie Clinic family practice
Dr Christine Gibson, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Departments of Family Medicine and Psychiatry
Dr. Samina Ali, Pediatric Emergency Physician, University of Alberta
Tammy Quinn, BSc(Pharm), RPh
Dr. Kirsten Sjonnesen, MD
Dr. Cassandra Warbeck, MD CCFP, Current Fellow in Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Alberta
Dr. Natasha Desjardins CCFP-EM
Michelle Pierce Hamilton, BA, RHN, PMP

Dr. Eric Leong, BA, MD, FRCPC, DipABLM, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, Therapeutic Endoscopist, Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Nabha Shetty, MD, FRCPC, MSc, General Internist; Associate Professor of Medicine, Dalhousie
Dr. Shailla Vaidya MD MPH CCFP(EM)
Dr. Manuela Tudor MD, CCFP, DipABLM
Dr. Catherine Lafleche, MD, CCFP, DipABLM
Dr. Sussan Askari, MD, FRCPC, DipABLM, Assistant Professor, Queen’s University
Nital Jethalal, M.Sc, Health Economist & Executive Director of Institute for Future Food Systems
Dr. Henry Swoboda, MD, DipABEM, DipABPM, DipABLM; Assistant Professor, Queen’s University
Dr. Ana Drandic, MD DipABLM
Dr. Jade Dittaro, MD, CCFP, DipABLM, Hospitalist, Kelowna General Hospital
Dr. Keltie Duggan, MD CCFP FCFP
Dr. Nizal Sarrafzadegan, Affiliate Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
Dr. Julie Chan, ND and R.Ac.
Serena Jamal, RN, Halton Healthcare
Shazmah Hussein, Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Paige Hacking, MD CCFP
Dr. Mimmi Thompson, MD CCFP
Dr. Andrea Milne-Epp, MD, CCFP
Dr. Sarah Freedman, MD, MES, FRCPC (Pediatrics)
Dr. Z Gong, MD, CCFP
Dr. Ekaterina Slivko, MD, CCFP

Dr. Firrhaana Sayanvala, MD, CCFP
Holly Kalyn, Nurse Practitioner, BScN, MN NP, West Parry Sound Health Centre
Victoria Laine, RHN
Dr. Sylvie Champagne
Dr. Jason MacIntosh, MD, CCFP (SEM)
Dr. Hala Kufaishi, FRCPC, Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, ABOM
Dr. Seana Nelson, MD FRCPC
Dr. Alaya Yassein, MD FRCSC, Halton Healthcare
Dr. Teela Johnson, Lecturer, University of Toronto
Dr. Nanci Guest, PhD, RD, CSCS, University of Toronto
Dr. Samah Chiry, Family and Lifestyle Medicine, QC
Dr. Max Silverman, MD, PGY2 Internal Medicine, University of Toronto
Dr. Nate Charach, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Daria Comsa, PhD, MCCPM, Clinical Physicist, Southlake Health, Lecturer, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto
Dr. David Rosen, Retired FMD, Member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
Chef Amy Symington, MSc, PhD Candidate, Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Dr. Joy Hataley MD, FCFPC
Dr. David Ohrling, MD CCFP(EM)(Anes) Dip Sport Med, Emergency Physician and Anesthesiologist, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
Paulina Araujo, RD CDE, Trillium Health Partners
Mili Arora, RD, Registered Dietitian, Diabetes Specialist, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON
Himanshu Kapoor, R.Kin, Trillium Health Partners, ON
Arpita Khalsa, RD, CDE
Kristen Imfeld, RD, Trillium Health Partners, ON

Saima Murtaza-Vahed, DR, CDE, Trillium Health Partners
Stacy Neilson, RN, BScN
Dawn Jerke, RN, Island Health
Teresa Pokorna, RN, BSN, VIHA
Jenna Kane, RN BSN, Island Health
Amanda Fast, Registered Nurse
Jen Dobell, RMT
Dr. Karis Callaway, PhD, C. Psych
Dr. Charlyn Black, MD, ScD, Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Sarah Marwick, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, CSNN Alumni Association
Ella Gertrud Heyder
Dr. Sanam Arora, Naturopathic Doctor (ND), College of Naturopaths of Ontario
Dr. Subhas Ganguli, FRCPC, Associate Professor of Medicine, McMaster University
Dr. Samantha Green, MD CCFP, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Dr. Kathleen Kevany, Professor, Sustainable Diets, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture
Fiona Parascandalo, PEACH Leadership Ontario, McMaster University
Dr. Shilo Lefresne, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Anita Rao, MD, FRCPC, Ontario’s Anesthesiologists
Dr. Brent Elsey, MD, Member CAPE, ON Agri Food Group
Dr. C. Tom Kouroukis, MD MSc FRCPC, Professor, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences / Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
Dr. Natasha Sodhi, MD ABLM, Rochester Regional Health
Dr. Sarah McCorquodal,e MD, CCFP, FCFP, DipABLM
Dr. Katherine Kilpatrick, BA, BNSc, MD, CCFP, FCFP, Health for Life Medical Centre, Queen’s University
Dr. Rajini Potechin, MD FRCPC DipABLM, Consultant Internist at QCH, WDMH, CMH and LifestyleRx

Dr. Marie-Eve Bérubé, CCFP, DipABLM, University of Ottawa
Dr. Josee Adam, Family Physician, MD, CCFP
Dr. Leanne K Casaubon, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Medical Director, Stroke Program, University Health Network
Brent Ludwig, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Island Health
Dr. Teela Johnson, MSc, MD, CCFP-EM, Lecturer / Clinician Teacher, University of Toronto
Dr. Samah Chiry, MD, Family Medicine, Quebec
Dr. Eric Leong, BA, MD, FRCPC, DipABLM, Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, Therapeutic Endoscopist, Humber River Health; Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Curate Health
Dr. Charlyn Black, MD, ScD, Professor, University of British Columbia
Dr. Anita Pozgay, MD, FRCPC-EM, Dip Sport Med, Assistant Professor, University of Ottawa
Precious Christian-Nnanyelugo, Medical Student
Dr. Zara Kiani, MD, Family Medicine
Dr. Jaimi Heidman CCFP (PC)
Dr. Howard Yang, MD FRCPC, Pathologist
Kayla Breelove, Clinical Traumatologist, M.A.Psych, Nu.Psych, LCT, CCC, RCT – Breelove Wellness
Vivian Polak, MD, FRCPC, HBA, BMedSc, Plant-based Certified, Perinatal Psychiatrist, Founder & CEO of Benessere North Not-for-Profit, Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), McMaster University
Michelle Pierce, RHN, PMP, Primary Care Transformation Lead, Middlesex London OHT
Dr. Marsha Rosenberg, MD, FRCPC, DipABPN
Dr. Mylene Juneau, MD, CCFP, Co-Founder Blue Life Rx, Co-Investigator CLIP-ON
Dr. Caroline Rhéaume, MD, PhD, DipABLM, Family Physician and Clinical Researcher
Dr. Charles Coish, MD, CFPC, Eastern Health Zone, NS
Maya Baroudi, BSc, Registered Kinesiologist

Tanya Howley, Pharmacist
Dr. Joan Salah, MD, CCFP
Dr. Sangeeta Oza, MD, DipACLM, Family Physician
Dr. Jackie Bailey, PhD, Registered Psychologist
Frances Hopkins, RN, Nova Scotia Health
Melissa MacLean, C&B Advisor, NSHA Eastern Zone
Jean McKeough, MSW, RSW, Nova Scotia Health
Dr. Tushar Meht,a MD CCFP, William Osler Health Systems
Jaiten Saini, Family Medicine Resident Physician, BM BS BAO, McMaster University Niagara Site
Avery Zenker, Registered Dietitian, Health for Life Medical Centre
Rowena Leung, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator
Dr. Laura Minard, BSc, BSc(Pharm), ACPR, PhD, Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator (Oncology and Hematology), Nova Scotia Health
Marilaine Savard, M. Pht, Kin FKQ
Dr. Isabelle Vallieres, MD, Radiation Oncologist, BC Cancer Victoria
Nathalie Zeemel, RSW, Trillium Health Partners
Susan Snitynsky RD
Dr. Rikin Patel, MD MSc FRCPC DipABLM, Pediatrician, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Founder of Reset Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine
Janice Marchildon RPN, DNP, MSN
Desiree Nielsen, RD, Registered Dietitian
Dr. Mark Voysey FRCPC, FASAP, Adolescent Psychiatrist
Kristie Wiedenfeld, Nutrition Manager, Canadian Society of Nutrition Management
Dr. Tatiana Conrad, Radiation Oncologist, MD FRCPC, Southlake Health
Anoj Satheesan, PT, DPT, MBA, FAGE, PGD.PPHC, Cure Touch Physio and Wellness Centre

Dr. Mateya Trinkaus, MD FRCPC, Medical Oncologist, Oak Valley Health, Markham, ON
Dr. Martina A Trinkaus, MD, FRCPC, Unity Health Toronto, Associate Professor
Carole Brohman, Executive Director, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Dr. Haiyan Wang, PhD, DipACLM
Dr. Nafisha Lalani, MD, FRCPC, University of Toronto
Dr. Mojgan Taremi, MD, FRCPC, University of Toronto
Dr. Haiyan Wang, PhD, MSc, DipACLM, Health Coach
April Swoboda, MD, Medical Oncologist, Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Assistant Professor, Queen’s University
Dr. Bhiku Jethalal, MD, FRCP(C)
Dr. Jay Sethi, MD, FRCPC, ESRS, ABOM, DipABLM, Psychiatrist, Somnologist, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Aleksandra Pikul, MD, DipABPN, DipABLM, FAHA, FELMO
Sangeeta Kumar, M.Ed, R.Ac
Dr. Meghana Samant, MD, FRCP(C), DipABLM
Dr. Nureen Pirbhai, MD, CCFP, Fraser Health, BC
Dr. Amy Goodday CCFP(EM), DipABLM
Michelle Pierce Hamilton, PMP, RHN, Practising Nutritionist & Podcaster; Former Primary Care Transformation Lead, Middlesex London Primary Care Network
Dr. Amaikiye Amara, MD
Sobharani Rayapudi, MD, ScM, DipABLM, Wellness Director and CEO, Gift of Health
Dr. Ivonne Szamko, MD, MPH, DipIBLM, Canadian Lifestyle Medicine Group, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Vanessa Barnwell, MD, Internal Medicine, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Shayda Ziai, MD CCFP DipABLM, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Anjleen Saund, MD, Diplomat of ABIM, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine Clinic

Dr. Rabia Atif, MD
Dr. Nazia Hossain, MD, FRCPC, DipABLM, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Nafis Hossain, MD, FRCPC, Internal Medicine, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Ramandeep Bains, DO, CCFP
Dr. Sonieya Nagarajah, MD FRCPC, Internal Medicine Specialist, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine Clinic
Dr. Yong Gyu Hyun, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Anchela Rajeshwaran, MD, ABIM Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, FRCPC, Montfort Hospital
Catherine Connally, MSACN, DipACLM, Clinical Nutritionist
Dr. Razi Hemani, Psychiatrist, MRCPsych, Nova Scotia Health
Dr. David Reid, MD
Dr. Heather Ring, MD, FRCSC, DipABLM