Thousands of Schools Serving Meals That Could Contain Cancer-Causing Chemicals
Thousands of schools are serving pupils meals that includes meat that has been cured with chemicals shown to increase the risk of cancer.
Local education authorities (LEAs) across England and Wales have said that some or all of the schools in their area are using meat that has been treated with either nitrites or nitrates.
They are doing so even though there is evidence that both chemicals, which are commonly used as preservatives and to make bacon and ham look pink, can be carcinogenic. Some scientists and politicians are calling for them to be banned in meat production.
The disclosure has prompted concern that children and young people are being exposed to “hidden health risks” as a result of eating the food served in school canteens.
