Ham sold in UK found to contain carcinogens ten years after WHO warning
Wiltshire cured ham contains disproportionately high levels of nitrites a new report reveals today - prompting calls for supermarkets to reformulate their products.
The study, carried out by experts from Food Science Fusion at accredited food testing laboratories, reveals that Wiltshire ham sold by leading UK retailers contains up to 17 times more nitrites than some bacon and cooked ham products. In 2015, a World Health Organisation report by leading scientists classified nitrite-cured processed meats as a Group One carcinogen, the same classification as tobacco.
Professor Chris Elliott OBE, the food safety expert who led the Government’s investigation into the horse meat scandal, commented:
“This new analysis confirms that nitrites remain unnecessarily high in certain UK meat products. Given the mounting scientific evidence of their cancer risk, we must prioritise safer alternatives and take urgent action to remove these dangerous chemicals from our diets. With the NHS facing the ever-increasing burden from treating preventable diseases, government and industry have a vital role to play to improve public health. The food industry could remove nitrites from processed meats tomorrow - as they are no longer required to make the tasty and affordable foods so many Brits love to eat. Processed meat producers can take this step now and I encourage them to do so, before regulation requires them to take action.”
Ruth Dolby, the food scientist who led the study, said:
“The World Health Organisation has clearly identified a link between nitrites in processed meats and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. That’s why it’s crucial consumers are aware of how nitrite levels vary across different types of bacon and ham.”
“We already know that regularly consuming nitrite-cured meats can harm health. What makes our research important is that it highlights how Wiltshire-cured hams can contain significantly higher levels of nitrites compared to other products.”
In the news:
Daily Mail - Cancer-causing chemicals found in Tesco lunchtime staples
(https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14979171/Lunchtime-staple-Tesco-cancer-causing-chemicals-health-chiefs.html)The Sun - Ham sold in major supermarkets still contains nitrites
(https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/36190081/ham-sold-uk-tesco-nitrites-cancer/)The Independent - Every sample tested from UK stores contained nitrites
(https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/ham-bacon-tesco-marks-spencers-cancer-carcinogens-nitrites-b2804975.html)The Express - Nitrites persist in supermarket meat despite health warnings
(https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2093363/ham-bacon-major-uk-supermarkets-cancer-causing-chemicals)The Telegraph - The truth about nitrites in bacon and ham
(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/diet/nutrition/truth-about-bacon/)The Guardian – Ham sold in UK found to contain carcinogens 10 years after WHO warning
(https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/07/ham-sold-in-uk-found-to-contain-carcinogens-10-years-after-who-warning)
