top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

French MPs in bid to ban nitrates in ham

The ham in jambon buerre sandwiches in future may have a less pink hue

Pink ham could be consigned to history if a group of French MPs have their way.

The MPs plan to table a bill on Thursday, December 10, banning the addition of nitrites in industrially produced charcuterie. They are pre-empting the findings of an official parliamentary inquiry on the safety of nitrites as a food preservative, which is due to report in early in 2021.

The additives, which are used to conserve and protect against bacteria, give sliced ham its pink colour and are considered carcinogenic. It is believed they promote colon and stomach cancer

Loiret MP Richard Ramos, one of the driving forces behind the bill who is also part of the inquiry, said: "After a serious parliamentary investigation, everyone recognises that these products kill. If this proposal does not pass, as an elected official, I wonder what use I am."

If the bill is passed as it is currently written, the ban on nitrites in raw ham - such as Parma ham or Bayonne ham - would apply from 2023. For cooked ham, andouillettes, boudins, terrines, rillettes the ban would apply from 2025 for health reasons.

Mr Ramos pointed out in an interview with Le Parisien that many artisan charcutiers had stopped using the additives already, while supermarket chain Super U sells nitrite and nitrate-free ham.

Other major brands have been working since 2017 on ways to cut nitrates and nitrites from their pork products - which would reduce a products life from 30 days to about 15.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France