Industrial salt used to cure Polish ham?

The accused men, who have been forbidden from leaving the country and conducting further business transactions, are pleading innocent to the charges, claiming that the salt can indeed be used in food products.

However, investigators emphasize that this is not the case.

“Evidence collected regarding this matter unequivocally shows that there is no such possibility [of using this salt in food],” said Magdalena Mazur-Prus, a spokesperson for the public prosecutors.

The revelations follow a secret investigation by Poland's Central Investigations Bureau (CBS) over the last few months.

As many as five meat processing plants are at risk of closure, according to commercial radio station RMF FM. The radio has also suggested that the salt – commonly used on icy roads – may be carcinogenic.

Full tests are currently being carried out on the salt, so as to determine the precise nature of the risks.

If serious health risks are confirmed, the suspects' charges will be adapted accordingly.
According to RMF FM, three of the plants that purchased the inedible salt are in the north Polish town of Wloclawek.

The radio alleges that the plants used the salt for three years, and that supermarkets across the country have sold products from the factories.

Public prosecutors have thus far declined to name which plants purchased the salt. (nh/pg)