Food: nitrites banned in animal food, but not for humans

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Food: nitrites banned in animal food, but not for humans

The European Union has decided to ban nitrites in pet food and mash. These preservatives associated with a risk of cancer, which are used in cold meats, are nevertheless still authorized for humans, which surprises consumers. – (France 2)

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France 2 – F. Bouquillat, A. Paris, J.-J. Buty, N. Lachaud

France Televisions

The European Union has decided to ban nitrites in pet food and mash. These preservatives associated with a risk of cancer, which are used in cold meats, are nevertheless still authorized for humans, which surprises consumers.

Our dogs and cats are fed nitrite-free industrial foods, unlike us. Nitrites, these preservatives associated with a risk of cancer, are in fact banned by Europe in kibbles and pâtés for animals, but still authorized in cold meats. Our animals’ menu familiar would beis it about to become healthier than ours? On the morning of Tuesday, December 19, some customers at a supermarket were surprised.

More and more nitrite-free products

According to manufacturers, sodium nitrites make it possible to better preserve products, and thus fight against botulism or listeriosis. But the risk of colon cancer linked to nitrites is proven, according to the International Cancer Center. For some veterinarians, it is because dogs and cats mainly feed on kibble that the absence of nitrites in their food is important. For humans, the European Food Safety Authority has forced manufacturers to reduce the level of nitrites in processed meats, and more and more nitrite-free products have appeared.


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