Major UK supermarkets selling meat that contains 'cancer-causing chemicals'
Campaigners across the UK are calling for a chemical used in processed meats to be ban due to studies suggesting that it can increase the risk of cancer. This comes as supermarket giants such Tesco have come under fire for selling ham and bacon that include high levels of the nitrites.
Back in 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared nitrites to be unsafe. However, a recent laboratory study found that 21 meat products still use the preservative today.
Wiltshire ham has been labeled as the product with the highest levels of nitrites compared to other cooked ham and unsmoked bacon.
The analysis found that Tesco's Wiltshire ham includes the most preservative with a whopping 33 milligrams of nitrites per kilogram, reports the Express.
This is a massive hike from the 2.88mg/kg in their own cooked ham and 8.64mg/kg in their unsmoked bacon. However, Tesco isn't the only supermarket selling products with high nitrite levels.
Marks and Spencer's Wiltshire ham contains 28.6mg/kg, while Sainsbury's includes 21.1mg/kg. This is closely followed by Morrisons with 19.2mg/kg.
On the flip side, Asda's Wiltshire ham has been shown to contain much lower nitrite levels - only 8mg/kg.
Due to these "alarming" findings, cancer charities are calling for a ban on nitrite and are urging Brits to minimise their meat consumption due to the chemical being linked to an increased bowel cancer risk.
According to Cancer Research UK, out of the 44,100 bowel cancer cases annually diagnosed in Britain, processed meat accounts for 13 per cent of these cases.
However, while these nitrite levels are disappointingly high, new research from Food Science Fusion and laboratory specialists Rejuvetech have found that nitrite levels in all 21 products are well below the 150mg/kg legal limit. Despite this, many campaigners are still worried about the chemicals used.
Coalition Against Nitrites, which commissioned the analysis, said: "It's nearly a full decade since the WHO classified nitrite-cured processed meats as a group one carcinogen and it is disappointing and alarming that we continue to see products on sale containing high levels of nitrites.
"Consumers are increasingly aware of the dangers of nitrites in processed meats, yet they continue to be exposed to their risks."
The reason Wiltshire ham includes high concentrations of nitrite is because of its manufacturing method. This includes the pork receiving nitrate injections, which is a similar process to cooked meat preparation.
From there the meat is soaked in brine and nitrite solution. This is done to safeguard against lethal bacteria and provide its colour. During this process the nitrates are converted into nitrites.
Aware of the growing concern surrounding this chemical, many food companies such as Waitrose and Finnebrogue are now offering bacon that is free from nitrites.
A Tesco spokesperson said: "We follow all UK and EU requirements, alongside guidance from the UK Food Standards Agency, to ensure we get the right balance of improving the shelf life and safety of our products with limited use of additives.
"The nitrites levels in all of our products, including our traditionally cured Finest Wiltshire ham, fall significantly below the legal limits in the UK and EU.
"Nitrates and nitrites are an important part of the curing process for some meats and they are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause serious food poisoning."
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