A five-year-old child has died of advanced cancer. Doctors are urgently warning parents against giving their children these five foods.

The tragic story of a five-year-old boy who lost his battle with advanced cancer has shocked parents and medical professionals. Although cancer has many causes—some genetic, others environmental—a growing number of doctors are warning about the critical role diet plays in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. In the wake of this tragedy, medical experts are urging parents to be especially careful about what they feed their children. Some foods, although commonly consumed, are associated with cancer risks and can unwittingly harm children’s long-term health.

Below are five foods that doctors recommend parents limit or even avoid altogether for the sake of their children’s young health.

1. Processed meat (e.g., sausage, ham, hot dogs)

Processed meat is commonly found in fast-food restaurants and children’s lunches. However, it contains nitrate, nitrite, preservatives, and artificial colors. The World Health Organization classifies them as carcinogenic to humans, meaning they are known to cause cancer. Because children’s bodies are still developing and more sensitive to pollutants, regular consumption of these foods is particularly risky. Parents are advised to replace these meats with fresh, lean meats such as chicken, eggs, or legumes as a source of protein.