Experts are once again calling for a ban on nitrosamines after consumer exposure to the compounds that can form in food during its preparation and processing raised a health concern from the European Food Safety Authority.
Replacing carcinogenic compound nitrite in processed meat with an extract taken from Japanese knotweed could reduce cancer risk, according to an EU co-funded research project.
Foodwatch France has partnered with Yuka and the Cancer League to demand a diet without added nitrite including; E249 (potassium nitrite), E 250 (sodium nitrite), E251 (sodium nitrate) and E252 (nitrate) used in processed meats such as industrial sausages.
The European Commission is considering lowering the maximum authorised levels for nitrites and nitrates in processed meat for health reasons, it has revealed.
Consumer exposure to nitrites and nitrates as additives used in processed meats is safe for most population groups at existing levels outlined by the European Safety and Food Authority (EFSA).
Major players in Europe’s organic meat industry have expressed relief after the European Commission (EC) chose not to ban the use of nitrates and nitrites for curing products.
The European Food Safety Authority has concluded that data from Denmark does not give grounds for lowering the ADI for nitrites in meat, but usage should be kept as low as possible to achieve the preservative and microbiological effect.
Intakes of nitrates and nitrites from processed meats, fruit and vegetables do not increase the incidence of brain tumours, says a new study from Imperial College London and Harvard.
Chr Hansen has developed a new culture for sausages and cooked, cured or fermented meats, which is said to provide improved taste and colour and to work faster.
Danisco is launching two new cultures that it says can give meats
the same colour, flavour and shelf-life as those cured with nitrite
salts - but allowing for all-natural claims to be made on the
label.
Revisions to the EU's food additives and sweeteners legislation
includes stricter requirements on the use of nitrites and nitrates
in meat, and approvals for seven new ingredients.
Chr Hansen has developed a natural cure for meats that can be used
in place of added nitrite, helping food makers to develop
clean-label meat products.
