With the baguette and the cheese, the sausage is one of the symbols of French gastronomy. Whether in supermarkets or in artisan delicatessens, it is available endlessly. This little aperitif pleasure consists of meat and flavored or spicy fats inserted into a casing that the manufacturer will leave to dry. It is this casing that is more frequently referred to as “sausage skin”.
Lovers of this charcuterie are divided into two categories: those who consume this skin, and those who would not eat it for anything in the world!
But from a health point of view, is the consumption of this part a problem? Top Santé takes stock with Corinne Fernandez, dietitian nutritionist.
If the casings are synthetic, it is better to avoid eating them!
“ It all depends on composition…There are natural casings. Moreover, around twenty years ago, we could eat them without problem because they had a particular and not unpleasant taste. Most were in fact made with completely natural substances. Today, we find sausages surrounded by synthetic casings. For manufacturers, this is cheaper. But for the consumer, it is better to avoid eating them! », Recommends Corinne Fernandez, dietitian nutritionist in Paris.
If we look at products sold commercially, this distinction is actually quite clear. The traditional sausage is surrounded by the animal’s intestines. Which makes it edible.
Sausage: there is a trick to recognizing a natural casing
After all, it’s all a matter of taste. Some people may be put off by this idea. Industrial sausages are made either with plasticized materialsor even use artificial casings collagen. On an industrial level it is not only more economical, but above all it is conducive to manufacturing in large quantities. On a regulatory level, clarity is not required. European law requires indicating the possibility of consuming this skin or not. “ You must therefore wear glasses and try to read the information on the packaging. Sometimes it’s not clear or it’s written in small letters. Synthetic casing may contain plastic (in this case, the manufacturer must specify that you should avoid consuming it) but if nothing is specified, change brands. Plastic may contain endocrine disruptors, detrimental to health. But in general, these products are subject to Afnor standards, and once again, the easiest thing is to read the labels carefully. », adds the expert.
Small trick to recognize a natural gut: its ability to be removed. The more difficult it is to remove it, the more it is a sign that it is natural. A tip to keep in mind before the next aperitif!
Thanks to Corinne Fernandez, dietitian nutritionist in Paris Corinne Fernandez – Dietitian, expert and sports nutrition (corinne-fernandez-dieteticienne.com)
