The French NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort found that a higher intake of preservatives in processed foods and beverages was associated with a slightly increased risk of cancer.[1] The study focused on nitrites used in meats such as bacon, ham and sausages.[1][2] Mice fed pork with nitrites for eight weeks had 53 percent more gastrointestinal tumors than the control group.[1] Even 15 percent of nitrite meat in the diet represented a relatively high intake and worsened the disease.[1] The French government plans to reduce or eliminate nitrites from processed meat.[1][2] The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meat as carcinogenic.[2] Vegans and vegetarians are less at risk.[1]