😱Processed meats, such as ham, contain additives classified as carcinogenic.
🤯The food industry has been lobbying and manipulating to impede regulations on additives in processed meats.
🐷Sodium nitrite, the additive that gives ham its pink color, is believed to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
🛡️The industry claims that nitrites protect against botulism, a form of food poisoning caused by bacteria.
🌱Some companies produce processed meats without nitrites, proving it's possible.
Are processed meats like ham really dangerous?
—Yes, processed meats contain additives that are classified as carcinogenic and are believed to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Why does the food industry continue to use additives in processed meats?
—The food industry argues that additives, such as sodium nitrite, protect against botulism, a form of food poisoning caused by bacteria.
Are there alternatives to processed meats with additives?
—Yes, there are companies that produce processed meats without nitrites, proving it's possible to create safer options.
How do companies lobby and manipulate regulations on additives?
—The food industry uses tactics such as funding studies that favor their products and discrediting scientists who raise concerns about the health risks.
What can consumers do to reduce their risk?
—Consumers can choose processed meats without additives or opt for alternatives, such as fresh or organic meats.
00:00Commercials for ham often portray it as natural and delicious, but behind the scenes lies a health scandal.
05:45The additive sodium nitrite, which gives ham its pink color, is believed to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
07:46The food industry has been lobbying and manipulating to impede regulations on additives in processed meats.
13:12Some companies produce processed meats without nitrites, proving it's possible to create safer options.
18:57In the past, the American meat industry successfully lobbied to avoid the banning of nitrites in processed meats.
26:28Philip Morris used similar tactics from the tobacco industry to defend the use of nitrites in hot dogs.
31:20The food industry hired lobbyists and scientists to discredit studies linking processed meats and cancer.
29:51The food industry creates doubt and controversy to slow down policy-making processes.
