A new study claims the popular chocolate spread Nutella can cause cancer. A report from the European Food Safety Authority says palm oil, one of the main ingredients in Nutella, caused the aggressive spread of cancer in mice.
According to the EFSA, palm oil becomes potentially cancer-causing when it is processed at high temperatures (approx. 200°C). The report warned that even moderate consumption of Nutella could be a risk. Palm oil is found in hundreds of food brands including Cadbury's Chocolate.
Ferrero, the maker of Nutella is fighting back. It launched a new advertising campaign assuring the public Nutella is safe. Ferrero says palm oil is needed in Nutella to give it a smooth texture. The European Food Safety Authority has not recommended that consumers stop eating Nutella and say further study is needed.
