Latest news with #nitrites
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ham and bacon sold in Tesco and M&S found to contain cancer-causing chemicals
Ham and bacon sold in UK supermarkets still contain cancer-causing chemicals almost 10 years after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned about the dangers of using it in processed meats. Supermarkets including Tesco and Marks & Spenser have been found to sell meats containing nitrite, according to a recent study that found all 21 products tested in a laboratory contained the chemical. Wiltshire ham was found to have the highest concentrations of nitrites, according to analysis that compared it to cooked ham and unsmoked bacon. Almost 33 milligrams of nitrites per kilogram was found in Tesco's Wiltshire ham. That's 11 times that amount in its cooked ham (2.88mg/kg) and almost four times the in its unsmoked bacon (8.64mg/kg). It was also almost 18 times the found in Morrisons's bacon (1.84mg/kg). Wiltshire ham products sold by M&S contained 28.6 mg/kg, at Sainsbury's 21.1mg/kg and Morrisons 19.2mg/kg - which are all considered to be high levels. But at Asda the Wiltshire ham contained lower levels at 8mg/kg. However, the analysis, commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites and undertaken by Food Science Fusion and the laboratory experts Rejuvetech, found the levels of nitrites in all 21 products were well below the 150mg/kg legal limit. Eating processed meat, such as ham, bacon and sausages which contain nitrites increases the risk of bowel cancer according to health experts. Cancer Research UK estimates about 13 per cent of the 44,100 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year in the UK are linked to eating processed meat. In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic, based on the evidence that it causes cancer. Nitrites are a crucial ingredient in meat curing, they provide colour, flavour and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. But there are now alternatives available that are less harmful. Ruth Dolby, Food Science Fusion Director, told the Independent: 'The levels of Nitrites are moving down, but they are not being 100 per cent removed.' 'Nitrites were originally used as the most effective preservatives from a food safety perspective. There are legal upper limits, but no legal lower limits. 'Food Science research and understanding has taken great leaps in the last 20 years, we now know that there are alternative, natural, equally effective ingredients that have less negative impact on the human body and the environment, especially the water courses.' Wiltshire ham in particular contains high levels of the chemical because during the productions process the pork is injected with nitrates and soaked in a bath of brine and nitrites. This gives it its red colour and prevent the growth of bacteria. At that point a chemical reaction occurs, which turns nitrates into nitrites. A spokesperson for the Coalition Against Nitrites, told the Guardian: '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.' They added: 'Consumers are increasingly aware of the dangers of nitrites in processed meats, yet they continue to be exposed to their risks.' Tesco's has said its Wiltshire ham contains levels of nitrites significantly lower than the legal limits allowed in the UK and EU. 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. 'We work closely with our suppliers to make sure that all additives including nitrites are only used when necessary and we are committed to clear labelling for all our products so customers can check product ingredients lists to see which products contain additives such as nitrites. '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.' Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, said:'Food safety is paramount to our members and they implement strict policies with their suppliers to ensure all products comply with UK food legislation. Additives such as nitrites are controlled, and their use is regularly monitored by the food safety authorities' M&S, Sainsbury's and Asda have all been approached for a comment.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Major supermarkets still selling ham and bacon with cancer-causing chemical
Processed ham and bacon sold in UK supermarkets continue to contain nitrites, chemicals linked to cancer, almost a decade after the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic. A recent study revealed nitrites in all 21 tested processed meat products from major retailers, with Wiltshire ham exhibiting the highest concentrations, for instance, 33mg/kg in Tesco's version. Although present, the nitrite levels in all analysed products were found to be below the 150mg/kg legal limit set in the UK and EU. Cancer Research UK estimates that around 13 per cent of the 44,100 bowel cancer cases diagnosed annually in the UK are associated with processed meat consumption. While nitrites are used for preservation, experts highlight the availability of less harmful alternatives, though some supermarkets, like Tesco, state their products comply with legal limits and safety requirements.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Ham and bacon sold in Tesco and M&S found to contain cancer-causing chemicals
Ham and bacon sold in UK supermarkets still contain cancer-causing chemicals almost 10 years after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned about the dangers of using it in processed meats. Supermarkets including Tesco and Marks & Spenser have been found to sell meats containing nitrite, according to a recent study that found all 21 products tested in a laboratory contained the chemical. Wiltshire ham was found to have the highest concentrations of nitrites, according to analysis that compared it to cooked ham and unsmoked bacon. Almost 33 milligrams of nitrites per kilogram was found in Tesco's Wiltshire ham. That's 11 times that amount in its cooked ham (2.88mg/kg) and almost four times the in its unsmoked bacon (8.64mg/kg). It was also almost 18 times the found in Morrisons's bacon (1.84mg/kg). Wiltshire ham products sold by M&S contained 28.6 mg/kg, at Sainsbury's 21.1mg/kg and Morrisons 19.2mg/kg - which are all considered to be high levels. But at Asda the Wiltshire ham contained lower levels at 8mg/kg. However, the analysis, commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites and undertaken by Food Science Fusion and the laboratory experts Rejuvetech, found the levels of nitrites in all 21 products were well below the 150mg/kg legal limit. Eating processed meat, such as ham, bacon and sausages which contain nitrites increases the risk of bowel cancer according to health experts. Cancer Research UK estimates about 13 per cent of the 44,100 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year in the UK are linked to eating processed meat. In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic, based on the evidence that it causes cancer. Nitrites are a crucial ingredient in meat curing, they provide colour, flavour and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. But there are now alternatives available that are less harmful. Ruth Dolby, Food Science Fusion Director, told the Independent: 'The levels of Nitrites are moving down, but they are not being 100 per cent removed.' 'Nitrites were originally used as the most effective preservatives from a food safety perspective. There are legal upper limits, but no legal lower limits. 'Food Science research and understanding has taken great leaps in the last 20 years, we now know that there are alternative, natural, equally effective ingredients that have less negative impact on the human body and the environment, especially the water courses.' Wiltshire ham in particular contains high levels of the chemical because during the productions process the pork is injected with nitrates and soaked in a bath of brine and nitrites. This gives it its red colour and prevent the growth of bacteria. At that point a chemical reaction occurs, which turns nitrates into nitrites. A spokesperson for the Coalition Against Nitrites, told the Guardian: '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.' They added: 'Consumers are increasingly aware of the dangers of nitrites in processed meats, yet they continue to be exposed to their risks.' Tesco's has said its Wiltshire ham contains levels of nitrites significantly lower than the legal limits allowed in the UK and EU. 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. 'We work closely with our suppliers to make sure that all additives including nitrites are only used when necessary and we are committed to clear labelling for all our products so customers can check product ingredients lists to see which products contain additives such as nitrites. '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.' Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, said:'Food safety is paramount to our members and they implement strict policies with their suppliers to ensure all products comply with UK food legislation. Additives such as nitrites are controlled, and their use is regularly monitored by the food safety authorities' M&S, Sainsbury's and Asda have all been approached for a comment.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Lunchtime staple sold at Tesco found to contain cancer-causing chemicals, 10 years after health chiefs' warnings
A new study has revealed popular ham products sold in major supermarkets in England contain cancer causing chemicals. These are nitrites—which are typically used to preserve meat—but have been linked to colon cancer. They remain in meats on UK shelves almost a decade after the World Health Organization declared them unsafe in October 2015. The 21 products researchers tested from Tesco, M&S and Morrisons all came back positive for nitrites. The product with the highest concentration of the chemical was Tesco's Wiltshire ham—which had almost 33 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). This was considerably more than the others at 11 times the 2.88mg/kg in the store's cooked ham and nearly four times the 8.64mg/kg in its unsmoked bacon. Other Wiltshire ham products sold with relatively high levels included those from M&S (28.6mg/kg), Sainsbury's (21.1mg/kg) and Morrisons (19.2mg/kg). Meanwhile, the version sold by Asda fared better with tests revealing it only contained 8mg/kg. 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.' They said nitrites an 'important part of the curing process for meats' that are also used to prevent growth of 'harmful bacteria that can cause serious food poisoning'. They added that they only use nitrates 'when necessary' and that they are committed to clearly labelling products. 'Customers can check product ingredient lists to see which products contain additives such as nitrites,' they said. The supermarket also highlighted that the reported level in Tesco Wiltshire ham is 'significantly lower' than the legal limit allowed in the UK and EU which is 100mg/kg. Their findings come amid a rise in colon cancer in young people that has left many experts deeply concerned. Latest figures suggest cases of bowel cancer in the UK are set to rise by a tenth by 2040. The study was carried out by experts from Food Science Fusion, an accredited food testing laboratory and commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites. In response to their findings, Ruth Dolby, a food scientist who led the study said: 'We already know that regularly consuming nitrite-cured meats can harm health. 'What makes our research important is that it highlights how Wiltshire-cured hams can contain significantly higher levels of nitrites.' Meanwhile, Professor Chris Elliot, a food safety expert who led the independent review into the 2013 horse meat scandal, said: 'This new analysis confirms that nitrites remain unnecessarily high in certain UK meat products. 'Given the mounting scientific evidence of their cancer risk, we must prioritise safer alternatives and take urgent action to remove these dangerous chemicals from our diets. 'The food industry could remove nitrites from processed meats tomorrow—as they are no longer required to make the tasty and affordable foods so many Brits love to eat. 'Processed meat producers can take this step now and I encourage them to do so, before regulation requires them to take action.' Professor Paolo Vineis, from Imperial College London, was a co-author of the WHO report that classified nitrite-cured processed meats as a Group One carcinogen—the same as tobacco. He said: 'Given the overwhelming body of scientific evidence linking processed meat to the development of colorectal cancer, it is disappointing that governments and the food industry have not yet done more to reduce the risk to human health. 'I would personally like to see a considerable reduction in the volume of processed meat consumed, but removing nitrites from products like bacon, ham and sausages would also be a positive step in improving the health of the population. 'As demonstrated by producers in my home country of Italy, it can be done.' In 2022, the French health agency ANSES confirmed a link between nitrites in ham and colorectal cancer. However, the UK Food Standards Agency still states that nitrites are 'safe' and 'essential' to produce certain processed meats. The campaigners have called for them to change their mind and consider the many available nitrite-free alternatives.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Ham sold in UK supermarkets found to contain carcinogens – after 13% of bowel cancer cases linked to processed meat
BIG-NAME supermarkets are still selling ham packed with cancer-causing chemicals, food scientists have found. The popular sandwich filler are loaded with nitrites, preservatives linked to bowel cancer. This is despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) slamming processed meats as carcinogenic back in 2015. The fresh research, seen by The Guardian, suggests Tesco's Wiltshire ham topped the list with almost 33mg/kg. This nitrite level in this Tesco ham is 11 times higher than its cooked ham and nearly four times more than its unsmoked bacon. M&S Wiltshire ham wasn't far behind at 28.6mg/kg, followed by Sainsbury's with 21.1mg/kg, and Morrisons at 19.2mg/kg. Asda's Wiltshire ham had much lower levels, with just 8mg/kg of nitrites. All 21 samples tested were below the legal limit of 150mg/kg, but the experts warn that even these lower levels are risky. Campaigners said the findings are 'alarming' and called for nitrites to be banned completely. Cancer charities warned Brits to cut down on processed meats like ham, bacon, and sausages, as they significantly raise the risk of bowel cancer. Cancer Research UK says 13 per cent of the 44,100 bowel cancer cases diagnosed annually in Britain are linked to processed meat consumption The study was done by independent lab experts Food Science Fusion and Rejuvetech, commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites, a group made up of food safety experts, doctors, and politicians across UK parties. 5 ultra-processed foods to avoid A spokesperson for the Coalition Against Nitrites, which includes food safety experts, medical specialists and politicians from most of the UK's major parties, told The Guardian: '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.' They added: 'Consumers are increasingly aware of the dangers of nitrites in processed meats, yet they continue to be exposed to their risks.' Wiltshire ham contains such high levels of nitrites because during the production process the pork is injected with nitrates, as also happens with cooked ham. However, Wiltshire ham is then soaked in a bath of brine and nitrites, to give it its red colour and protect it from deadly bacteria. At that point a chemical reaction occurs, which turns nitrates into nitrites. Prof Chris Elliott, the food safety expert who led the government-ordered investigation into the 2013 horsemeat scandal, said the research confirmed that nitrites remained 'unnecessarily high in certain UK meat products'. 4 He added: 'Given the mounting scientific evidence of their cancer risk, we must prioritise safer alternatives and take urgent action to remove these dangerous chemicals from our diets.' Several food firms, including Finnebrogue and Waitrose, have responded to mounting concern about nitrites by producing bacon that is free of them. 'Eat as little processed meat as possible' Dr Rachel Orritt, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: 'Eating processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer. "Nitrites … can lead to cell damage, which is one of the ways that processed meat is linked to bowel cancer. "The less processed meat you eat, the lower your risk of bowel cancer.' Dr Giota Mitrou, the director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, said it recommended 'eating as little, if any, processed meat as possible'. A Tesco spokesperson told The Sun: '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.' The Sun has contacted M&S, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda for comment. Andrew Opie, the director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, which represents supermarkets, said: 'Food safety is paramount to our members and they implement strict policies with their suppliers to ensure all products comply with UK food legislation.' How nitrites can cause cancer Nitrate is a compound found naturally in vegetables and added to processed meats like bacon and ham to preserve them and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. On its own, nitrate is not harmful. However, once inside the body, it can be converted into nitrite. In certain conditions, such as in the acidic environment of the stomach, nitrite can then turn into nitrosamines. According to the World Health Organization's cancer agency (IARC), there is sufficient evidence that processed meats, which often contain added nitrites or nitrates, can increase the risk of bowel cancer. This risk is not linked to nitrate naturally present in vegetables, which may even have protective health effects.
