Human DNA Found In 66% Of Vegetarian Hot Dogs

News sites are blowing up today with the latest linking of processed meat consumption and cancer rates, but THIS story is far more intriguing. Via USA Today:

Hot dogs are considered one of the most American foods. However, a report uncovers some startling findings on what people are really eating when they bite into a frankfurter. Clear Food analyzed 345 hot dogs and sausages from 75 different brands sold at 10 retailers and found that 14% had hygienic or substitution issues, according to the report. (Substitution means when ingredients are added to the product that are not displayed on the label and hygienic issues happen when a “non-harmful contaminant is introduced to the hot dog.”) The online food guide, which uses “genomic technology” to examine foods by ingredients, found human DNA in 2% of the samples, and in two-thirds of the vegetarian samples.”

It’s not clear what the source of the human DNA might be. More from CNN:

Clear Foods is a company that “translates quantifiable molecular tests into actionable food data insights,” according to its website. In English, that means it uses genetic sequencing to figure out just what’s in your lunch. Its results on hot dogs aren’t always comforting. Overall, the company found nutritional label inaccuracies, pork substitution and some unexpected ingredients, including chicken and lamb. On the other hand, Clear gave high marks to a variety of manufacturers, both national and regional. Butterball, McCormick, Eckrich and Hebrew National led among national brands, each with a score of 96 out of 100, based on Clear’s formula.