By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A stark warning has emerged from Europe regarding modern dietary habits, placing the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods under renewed scrutiny. Two landmark studies led by prestigious French research institutions have uncovered a significant association between the prolonged intake of certain food preservatives and an increased risk of developing cancer and type 2 diabetes.
The extensive research, a collaborative effort by scientists at Sorbonne University in Paris, Paris-Cité University, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), and the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), has sent ripples through the public health community. Published in high-impact scientific journals, the findings provide compelling new evidence on the potential long-term dangers lurking in many common packaged foods.
To better understand the regulatory landscape and the legal responsibilities surrounding the use of food preservatives in products sold nationwide, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided clarity on consumer rights and corporate obligations.
The use of food preservatives is strictly regulated to protect public health. Costa Rican law mandates that all ingredients, including preservatives, must be clearly and accurately declared on product labels. Failure to comply not only exposes companies to significant fines and sanctions from the Ministry of Health but also opens the door to civil liability for damages to consumer health. Transparency is not just a good business practice; it is a non-negotiable legal obligation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal framework not only holds producers accountable but also empowers consumers, giving them the essential tools to make informed and safe decisions about their food. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical aspect of consumer protection.
According to the analyses, frequent consumption of 13 specific preservative additives, which are pervasively used in industrialized foods and beverages, is correlated with a higher incidence of these chronic diseases. One of the studies highlights a statistical link between these compounds and an elevated risk for specific types of cancer, most notably breast and prostate cancer.
Researchers are careful to clarify that their findings demonstrate a consistent association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. This means that while the preservatives themselves may not be a singular cause, individuals with diets high in these additives show a significantly higher statistical probability of developing these serious health conditions over time compared to those with lower consumption.
A second study honed in on preservatives such as sorbates, sulfites, and nitrites, which are most concentrated in ultra-processed items. These include products like sausages and cured meats, ready-to-heat meals, packaged snacks, canned goods, and sugary industrial beverages. The data showed that populations consuming these products most frequently also registered a greater number of cancer and type 2 diabetes cases.
To arrive at these conclusions, the scientific teams meticulously analyzed the dietary habits of more than 100,000 French adults over a ten-year period. Participants regularly completed detailed questionnaires, providing data not just on what they ate, but on the specific composition and ingredients of the products they consumed. In total, the presence of 58 different preservatives was evaluated across the participants’ diets.
Among the most alarming discoveries was the strong association between sodium nitrite, an additive identified as E250 and commonly found in processed meats, and prostate cancer. The data suggests that individuals with a high intake of this specific preservative face a risk of developing the disease that is approximately 30% greater than those with low consumption levels.
These findings hold particular relevance for nations like Costa Rica, where the consumption of ultra-processed foods has been on a steady incline in recent years. The message from the study authors is clear: prioritizing a varied diet based on fresh, minimally processed foods while consciously reducing the intake of industrial products laden with additives is a critical step toward safeguarding long-term health.
For further information, visit sorbonne-universite.fr
About Sorbonne University:
Sorbonne University is a leading public research university in Paris, France. Established through the merger of several historic Parisian institutions, it is renowned for its excellence in a wide range of disciplines across humanities, science, and medicine, making significant contributions to global research and higher education.
For further information, visit universite-paris-cite.fr
About Paris-Cité University:
Université Paris-Cité is a comprehensive French public university created from the merger of Paris Diderot, Paris Descartes, and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris. It offers a broad spectrum of programs in health, science, and humanities, and is recognized as a major center for research and innovation in the heart of Paris.
For further information, visit inserm.fr
About INSERM (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research):
INSERM is France’s national public organization dedicated entirely to human health. Operating under the joint authority of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Research, it is a key player in medical research in Europe, focusing on translating scientific knowledge into clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.
For further information, visit inrae.fr
About INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment):
INRAE is a major European research institute committed to addressing challenges related to agriculture, food systems, and the environment. Its work focuses on creating sustainable solutions for high-quality food, managing natural resources, and fostering economic development in rural areas through scientific excellence.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a revered law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of legal practice. The firm leverages its rich history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and champion community advancement. This ethos is driven by a core mission to make complex legal concepts understandable, fostering an empowered and well-informed citizenry.
