British bangers given all-clear after cancer alert but German style bratwursts may still pose a danger

BRITISH bangers have been given the all-clear after a cancer alert.

UK scientists found that virtually all were free of risky chemicals, disproving world health chiefs’ fears.

But they warned that bratwurst-type sausages popular in Germany remained a danger as they had nitrates and nitrites used as preservatives.

Research chief Dr Marie Cantwell said: “It is now clear that the British sausage industry is very different.

“Almost all British-style sausages in the UK do not contain nitrates or nitrites.

“So they don’t carry the same health risk as other meats that use them in the curing process.

“It’s likely that this isn’t clearly understood by consumers. This is due to misleading warnings on risks of processed meat, without clarifying the stark difference between those with added nitrates or nitrites and those without.

“The scientific community has studied the health risks from nitrates and nitrites in depth for more than 20 years.

“This research led to the health warning about processed meats.”

Her researchers looked at bangers made or sold by 11 major stores.

The experts at Queen’s University Belfast found 97 per cent of 117 brands had no nitrates or nitrites.

Those given the all-clear included Tesco Finest, Asda Extra Special, Heck and Rankin Selection.

Their findings contradict 2015 World Health Organisation claims — reported in The Sun, — that British-style sausages could cause cancer.

The WHO claimed processed meat was as bad a cause of cancer as asbestos, booze and cigs. It said 1½ daily bangers raised the risk by 18 per cent.

Five million Brits eat sausages every day. But the health scare saw sales plunge by £36million in a year.

British banger fans were delighted. MEP Nigel Farage said: “It’s wonderful news.”
Celebrity Big Brother winner Marnie Simpson was pleased and said: “I have sausage at least once a month.”