WASHINGTON—Doctors with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine warned customers outside of a Washington, D.C., McDonald’s that the restaurant’s free “Bacon Hour” promotion could lead to colorectal cancer and other health problems. During Bacon Hour, customers received a free side of bacon with any order.

The doctors held signs reading:

“Colorectal Cancer: I’m Riskin’ It,” 

“#BreakUpWithBacon,” 

and “Bacon Causes Butt Cancer.” 

They also handed out colorectal cancer screening kits. 

“Your colon won’t be lovin’ McDonald’s Bacon Hour,” said Physicians Committee president Neal Barnard, M.D. “McDonald’s should be offering customers a free colorectal cancer screening with every free side of cancer-causing bacon.”

Bacon increases the risk of colorectal cancer and has been classified as “carcinogenic to humans” by the World Health Organization. After reviewing more than 800 studies, WHO concluded that each 50-gram portion of processed meat (a few slices of bacon or a hot dog) eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.

Physicians Committee dietitian Lee Crosby, R.D., also wrote to McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook, urging him to help customers fight colorectal cancer by serving more plant-based meals.

“Instead of Bacon Hour, consider a nationwide launch of your vegan McAloo Tikki burger, which was recently featured at your Chicago headquarters,” wrote Crosby. “Its potatoes, peas, red onions, and tomato slices, which are high in fiber and other protective nutrients, work to reduce colorectal cancer risk.”

To speak with Dr. Barnard or another expert, please contact Kenzie Phillips at 202-527-7342 or kphillips@pcrm.org.