Salami
Salami is a processed cured meat. The IARC has classified processed meat (including salami) as Group 1 — carcinogenic to humans, primarily linked to colorectal cancer.
What it is
Cured, fermented, and air-dried sausage made from beef and/or pork, salt, spices, and typically nitrites/nitrates.
Ready-to-eat charcuterie; eaten sliced or diced in sandwiches, pizza, antipasti.
Why it's flagged
- IARC Group 1 carcinogen (processed meat)
- contains sodium nitrite/nitrate
- N-nitrosamine formation
- very high sodium
- high saturated fat
What regulators actually say
"Consumption of processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1)"
"Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes"
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Regulated by USDA-FSIS; nitrite/nitrate use limited
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; processed meat designated carcinogen by IARC
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app