Sausage

Sausages are a food product typically made from ground meat (such as pork, beef, or chicken), mixed with fat, salt, and seasonings. The mixture is often encased in a skin, traditionally animal intestine, but now commonly artificial casing. They are then usually cooked by frying, grilling, or baking.

Sausages are a popular meat product enjoyed on their own or as an ingredient. Manufacturers produce them as a primary protein source in meals, often found in dishes like full English breakfasts, casseroles, pasta sauces, and stews. Their savoury flavour and satisfying texture make them a versatile addition to many recipes.

Sausages are not a food additive and are therefore not listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. As a processed meat product, sausages can be high in fat, salt, and calories. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified processed meats, including sausages, as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there is sufficient evidence that they cause cancer in humans. However, this classification is based on consumption of large quantities, and the NHS advises that eating processed meat occasionally is unlikely to cause significant harm. It is recommended to eat processed meat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.