The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) released a new infographic detailing the nutrition, safety and value of processed meat and poultry products.

According to NAMI, data reviewed by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee showed that followers of the Mediterranean diet – the diet hailed by so many for its good nutrition and health outcomes – consume twice as many processed meats as included in U.S. Department of Agriculture food patterns.

“Mediterranean diet followers’ processed and cured meat consumption shouldn’t surprise us when you consider Spanish serrano ham, Italian prosciutto, French charcuterie, Greek loukaniko and the many other cured and processed meats that are staples of their diet,” said NAMI President and CEO Barry Carpenter. “Meat and poultry products are nutrient dense foods that satisfy hunger and help control weight. Processing meat and poultry so that it can be more readily consumed – and consumed in styles and flavor profiles that people around the world savor – helps ensure that people can make these products part of their healthy balanced diet.”

The new infographic also details the many choices available within the processed meat category.

“Unfortunately, the processed meat category is often treated as if these products are all alike,” Carpenter added. “In reality, the category is diverse and includes low-fat, low- sodium, gluten-free, natural, organic, kosher, halal and regular formulations, along with countless flavors and styles.”

To access the infographic, click here.

Source: NAMI