Ham and bacon sold in Tesco and M&S found to contain cancer-causing chemicals
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.