The publication of this report comes six months following the adoption of a bill in the National Assembly on the definition of a “trajectory of reduction” of the maximum doses of additives in charcuterie.
In a report to be published on Tuesday July 12, the National Food Safety Agency (Anses) warns of a risk of cancer linked to nitrites present in charcuterie. The Midi Dispatch takes stock of these additives.
What are nitrites and what are they used for?
Nitrites are food additives that prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria in cold cuts, such as salmonella or listeria.
Beyond limiting the proliferation of toxins, they also make it possible to obtain the pink color of the ham and ensure its preservation.
Why are they in the sights of the health authorities?
But the presence of these additives is not all good. By coming into contact with the iron present in meat, it forms new compounds such as nitrosyl iron, the consumption of which might be associated with an increased risk of colon rectal cancer, according to the national research institute for agriculture, food and the environment (Inrae).
Nitrites have been the subject of criticism for several years, in particular since 2019 with the posting ofa petition by three organizations (today signed by more than 368,000 people). The League Against Cancer, the NGO Foodwatch and the Yuka application have called for the banning of nitrite salts in food.
Already in 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer had affirmed that red meat in processed form was “probably carcinogenic” to humans.
Where is the framework for the use of nitrites?
After a fact-finding mission on this subject, the National Assembly adopted, on February 3, 2022, the idea of a “declining trajectory” of the maximum doses of additives in charcuterie.
The bill, carried by MoDem deputy Richard Ramos, was adopted that day and must give rise, within one year following this adoption, to a decree which will set this trajectory. The proposal must also give rise, 18 months following its adoption, to another decree which will specify the procedures for implementing specific labeling for products containing nitrites.