
Big BMJ Study Links Some Everyday Preservatives to Slightly Higher Cancer Risk
A BMJ study tracking more than 100,000 people for nearly 15 years found that higher intake of several common food preservatives—such as sulfites, nitrates/nitrites, potassium sorbate, and related additives—was associated with a modestly higher overall cancer risk. The researchers emphasize that this is an association, not causation, and results may reflect broader ultra-processed diet patterns; experts advise moderating processed foods, reading labels, and prioritizing whole foods while encouraging safer preservation methods.













