On January 28, the French Assembly will vote on legislation aiming to ban the use of nitrates in food products.  The Federation of Industrial Charcutiers (FICT) claims there are no health risks associated with the use of nitrites at recommended levels, but consumer watchdog groups disagree.  If passed, the bill would mean a ban on the addition of nitrites and nitrates to foods such as raw and cooked ham, boudin, terrine, etc. from 2023 onward.  This legislation would make France the first European country to impose such a ban.  The bill would also require clear labeling of nitrites and nitrates accompanied by a statement that these can promote colorectal cancer.  IARC (International Association for Research Against Cancer) classifies these compounds as probable human carcinogens.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne

Posted on 19 January 2021