Warning Labels on Bacon and Ham Urged to Reflect Cancer Link

A decade after the World Health Organization classified processed meat as carcinogenic, a group of scientists is calling for cigarette-style warning labels on packets of bacon and ham in the UK to alert consumers to the risk of bowel cancer. Despite mounting evidence of the dangers of nitrites, chemicals added to preserve and color these products, successive British governments have taken little action to reduce exposure. The scientists estimate that inaction has led to 54,000 Britons developing bowel cancer, costing the NHS £3bn, and are urging the health secretary to mandate warning labels on packaging and phase out the use of nitrites in processed meat production.

Key Takeaways:

• 54,000 Britons developed bowel cancer due to lack of action to curb nitrite use in the UK since the WHO's 2015 declaration.
• The inaction has cost the NHS £3bn.
• 90-95% of packets of bacon and ham sold in Britain contain nitrites.
• The estimated increased risk of colorectal cancer from consuming 50 grams of processed meat daily is 18%.
• Processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer through complex reactions involving nitrites forming carcinogenic chemicals.
• Dietary guidelines and standards should reflect limited consumption of processed meat and increase availability of healthy foods.

Statistics:

• 10% of studies estimated that every 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by about 18%.
• 54,000 Britons developed bowel cancer due to lack of action to curb nitrite use.
• £3bn cost to the NHS due to lack of action to curb nitrite use.
• 90-95% of packets of bacon and ham sold in Britain contain nitrites.

Sources:

• World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (October 2015). "_monograph 84 - Analysis of Carcinogenic Epidemic Health Risk Novic"_
• World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), Head of Policy and Public Affairs Kate Oldridge-Turner
• IARC, Denis Corpet, an emeritus professor of food safety and nutrition at Toulouse University
• Coalition Against Nitrites, letter to the health secretary