Chorizo
Also known as: chorizos, Spicy pork sausage with red pepper no precision
Chorizo is a processed meat. The IARC classifies processed meat as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), citing colorectal cancer evidence.
What it is
Cured/fermented pork sausage seasoned with paprika and garlic; Spanish (cured/dry) and Mexican (fresh) styles exist.
Cured/seasoned meat ingredient.
Why it's flagged
- IARC Group 1 (processed meat / colorectal cancer)
- sodium nitrite/nitrate
- high sodium
- high saturated fat
What regulators actually say
"Processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence... that consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer."
"Nitrosamines... exposure to processed meat containing nitrites contributes to cancer risk."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Meat product regulated by USDA-FSIS; nitrites permitted under 9 CFR 424.21
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; nitrites/nitrates regulated under Reg. 1333/2008
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