Study Shows Food Preservatives May Cause Cancer – Expert Weighs In

You may have heard that food preservatives are not good for your health. But what if we tell you that it even has the potential to cause cancer? Yes, you read that right. As per a recent study, consuming preservatives commonly found in industrially processed foods and beverages like deli meat and breakfast cereal is linked with an increased risk of cancer. Since this seems alarming, this needs more attention as well as awareness.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Ms Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Read on.

Expert Take On The Study

We ask our expert to share her views on this study. “The study highlights an important health concern that many experts have warned about for years. Preservatives used in industrially processed foods help increase shelf life, but they may also harm our health when eaten often. Chemicals commonly found in deli meats, packaged snacks, juices, ready-to-use foods and some breakfast cereals have been linked to higher cancer risk in several studies,” explains Ms Raj.

She adds, “These foods are usually high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. This can add to the problem as they are classified as processed or ultra processed foods, which potentially has the risk to disturb your gut health – eventually leading to inflammation in your body. Eating them regularly may cause long-term damage to the body. While occasional consumption is unlikely to be dangerous, daily intake can increase risk over time. Choosing fresh, home-cooked foods with fewer additives is a safer option for better long-term health.”

Can Food Preservatives Cause Cancer?

The study focuses on the link between food preservatives and cancer. So the main question here is – can food preservatives cause cancer? Our expert answers.

“Some food preservatives may increase the risk of cancer when eaten in large amounts over a long time. Certain preservatives, such as nitrates and nitrites found in processed meats, can turn into harmful compounds in the body. These compounds may damage cells and raise cancer risk, especially bowel and stomach cancer. Preservatives help food last longer and prevent bacteria growth, so they are considered safe in small limits. However, frequent intake of packaged and ultra-processed foods can lead to higher exposure,” explains Ms Raj.
The expert continues, “This does not mean all preserved foods cause cancer, but moderation is important. Eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals can reduce risk. Reading food labels and limiting processed foods can support better health over time.”

Also Read: Can Eating Refrigerated Food Harm Your Health? Expert Answers

Side Effects Of Food Preservatives

Ms Raj shares that food preservatives can have harmful effects on health, when consumed in excess over a long time.On this note, she lists down the negative health impacts of food preservatives:

• Some preservatives may cause allergies, headaches, or stomach problems in sensitive people. Certain chemicals can increase inflammation in the body and affect gut health.
• Preservatives like nitrates in processed meats may raise the risk of cancer when eaten often. High intake of preserved foods is also linked to heart disease, obesity, and diabetes because these foods are usually high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
• Some preservatives may affect children’s behaviour, causing restlessness or poor focus.

“While preservatives are safe within limits, eating too many packaged foods can slowly harm health. Choosing fresh and minimally processed foods is a healthier option,” adds Ms Raj.

Can Food Preservatives Cause Diabetes?

Food preservatives have often been linked to diabetes as well. So, are they linked as well? “Yes, some food preservatives can indirectly increase the risk of diabetes, especially when consumed in large amounts over time. Preserved and ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can raise blood sugar and cause weight gain both key risk factors for type 2 diabetes, disturbs your gut health,” explains Ms Raj.

The expert adds further, “Certain preservatives may also affect how the body processes insulin or increase inflammation, making it harder to control blood sugar. While preservatives themselves are usually considered safe in small amounts, frequent intake of packaged snacks, breakfast cereals, and processed meats can contribute to long-term metabolic problems. Eating fresh, home-cooked meals with minimal additives is a better choice for maintaining healthy blood sugar and preventing diabetes.”

Which Foods With Preservatives Should Be Avoided?

Now that we know how harmful processed foods with preservatives are, our expert also explains how we can identify them. “Processed foods and beverages that often contain preservatives and should be limited include packaged snacks like chips, cookies, and instant noodles, as they usually have artificial additives to increase shelf life,” says the expert.

“Breakfast cereals and ready-to-eat meals often contain sugar, salt, and preservatives. Processed meats such as sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which can be harmful if eaten frequently. Soft drinks, energy drinks, and packaged fruit juices may have preservatives, artificial colors, and added sugar. Canned foods sometimes contain chemical preservatives to prevent spoilage. While occasional consumption is okay, regular intake of these foods can increase risks of obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and cancer,” concludes Ms Raj.

The Final Word

A recent study highlights that preservatives used in industrially processed foods may harm your health when eaten often. Chemicals commonly found in deli meats, packaged snacks, juices, ready-to-use foods and some breakfast cereals have been linked to higher cancer risk in several studies. Thus, eating fresh, home-cooked meals with minimal additives is a better choice for good health.

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