Highlights
- Nitrites found in all tested Wiltshire ham samples.
- Tesco’s ham showed highest levels at 32.8mg/kg.
- Campaigners call findings “alarming.”
Retailers including Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are under fresh scrutiny after new laboratory tests revealed that their Wiltshire ham products still contain nitrites, chemicals linked to cancer risk., almost a decade after the World Health Organization (WHO) classified them as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites, the independent analysis found nitrites in all 21 processed meat samples tested.
Tesco’s Wiltshire ham registered the highest level at 32.8mg/kg, which is 11 times more than the 2.88mg/kg found in its own-brand cooked ham. M&S (28.6mg/kg), Sainsbury’s (21.1mg/kg), and Morrisons (19.2mg/kg) were also found to contain significantly higher levels, while Asda’s version came in lower at 8mg/kg.
The findings, published by Food Science Fusion and Rejuvetech, show that while nitrite levels remain below the legal UK and EU limit of 150mg/kg, campaigners and cancer charities argue that even these quantities pose a health risk and should be phased out entirely.
A spokesperson for the Coalition Against Nitrites, which includes food safety experts, medical specialists and politicians from most of the UK’s major parties, said: “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.”
Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund reiterated calls for consumers to limit their intake of processed meats like ham, bacon and sausages, citing clear links to increased bowel cancer risk.
Retailers defended their positions, stressing compliance with food safety standards.
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.
“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 British Retail Consortium also emphasised industry-wide compliance.
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.”