Two major French studies have just confirmed a link between certain food additives (notably nitrites, sulfites, and sorbate) and an increased risk of cancer and diabetes. Researchers from Inserm, who followed more than 100,000 people for several years, observed, for example, that an additive like sodium nitrite (E250) is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer, while potassium sorbate (E202) is linked to more cases of diabetes.
The scientists point out that these risks remain moderate for individuals, but that they can have a significant impact on a population level, as these preservatives are very common in processed foods. They also emphasize that their work does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, as some additives are consumed through products already known to be harmful, such as alcohol.
These results come at a time when the regulation of ultra-processed foods continues to divide policymakers. The authors call for better regulation of the use of preservatives and recommend that the public favour the least processed products.
 Pascal Lemontel
|
08/01/2026 | 
| 
Anglais
Arabic
Deutsch
Français
Español
Italien
Português
Russian