# French studies on food additives and health risks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-studies-on-food-additives-and-health-risks > Updated: 2026-10-12T23:59:53.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Scientific research in France has identified several links between dietary habits, food additives, and various health risks. Initial studies from INRAE and INSERM connected “dietary jet lag”—the variation in meal timings—to cardiovascular disease, while also suggesting that specific industrial preservatives like potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite, and potassium nitrate are associated with increased risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes. Subsequent research published in the European Heart Journal expanded on these findings by specifically linking eight common food preservatives to a 24% higher risk of hypertension. This study, which tracked over 112,000 individuals, also noted a 16% increased risk of cardiovascular disease among those consuming non-antioxidant preservatives. While the research is observational and cannot establish direct causation, it highlights significant public health implications regarding widespread exposure to additives such as potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, and citric acid. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Study links eight food preservatives to increased hypertension risk A long-term study in France involving over 112,000 people links eight common food preservatives to a 24% higher risk of hypertension and increased cardiovascular disease risk. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/study-links-eight-food-preservatives-to-increased-hypertension-risk ### 2026-09-30: French studies link dietary habits and additives to health risks French studies link irregular meal timings (dietary jet lag) to cardiovascular risks and associate certain food preservatives with increased risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-studies-link-dietary-habits-and-additives-to-health-risks --- Cite as: French studies on food additives and health risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-studies-on-food-additives-and-health-risks