Mortadella
Mortadella is a cured/processed meat. IARC classifies processed meat as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), associated primarily with colorectal cancer.
What it is
Mortadella is a large Italian-style emulsified pork sausage cured with nitrites/nitrates and embedded with fat cubes.
Sliced cured deli meat / cold cut.
Why it's flagged
- sodium nitrite/nitrate curing
- IARC Group 1 processed meat
- high sodium and saturated fat
- potential N-nitrosamine formation
What regulators actually say
"Consumption of processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)."
"FSIS Directive 7120.1 — Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products lists nitrite/nitrate limits for cured products."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
USDA FSIS-regulated; nitrite/nitrate limits in 9 CFR 424.21 / FSIS Directive 7120.1
European Union — EFSA
Regulated cured-meat product; nitrate/nitrite limits per EU Regulation 1129/2011
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