A French study shows that certain food additives can increase the risk of cancer. Emulsifiers (E471, E407 and E407a) are found in a wide range of food products.

The study looked at 92,000 adults who were part of the NutriNet-santé cohort. Participants who consumed the greatest quantity of the E471 additive had a 15% higher risk. This risk was increased by 24% for breast cancer and 46% for prostate cancer. The other two additives were associated with a 32%Higher risk of breast cancer.