a vote against nitro additives, a probable source of cancer

No immediate ban on nitrate additives in charcuterie, but maximum doses will soon be fixed. The deputies voted, this Wednesday, in committee in favor of a “trajectory of reduction” of the maximum doses of these controversial components. They are used to prolong the conservation and prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria at the origin in particular of botulism, a serious neurological affection now very rare due to the sanitary progress of modern agri-food.

In addition to giving the naturally gray ham its pink color, they also allow the use of lower quality, cheaper meat, while saving time in the drying process, according to a 2021 parliamentary report, co-signed by Richard Ramos (Modem).

A potentially carcinogenic substance

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat, including deli meats, as carcinogenic (category 1). It would promote, among other things, colorectal cancers. Ingested nitrites are considered probable carcinogens (category 2A).

The Economic Affairs Committee of the Assembly examined Wednesday at first reading a bill by Richard Ramos (MoDem) aimed at a phased ban on these nitro additives by 2025. At his side, the Minister of Agriculture Julien Denormandie said he wanted to wait for the opinion of the health agency Anses, expected at the end of the first half of 2022: “a major subject that we must deal with methodically”. The minister was followed by most deputies, who voted for a series of amendments rewriting the bill.

Thus, one year after its promulgation, and according to the opinion of ANSES, a decree will have to set “a trajectory for reducing the maximum dose of nitro additives with regard to the proven risks for human health”. This decree may also “fix a list and a timetable” for prohibiting the marketing of products incorporating these additives.
In addition, within eighteen months, specific labeling for these products will be developed.
The revised and corrected bill will be on the menu in the hemicycle on February 3, for examination according to a simplified procedure.