Tim Spector's ZOE pinpoints the most harmful additive in processed foods - amid claims the ingredient is behind shocking rise in young bowel cancers

A top nutritionist has revealed a food additive found in everything from cakes, to mayonnaise and even sausages, has been linked to gut problems — including bowel cancer. Speaking on diet guru Tim Spector's ZOE podcast, Dr Federica Amati, a researcher at King’s College London, said emulsifiers listed on the back of the packet are a 'red flag'. Low fat sweetened yoghurt often contains emulsifiers to stop it from separating, but Greek yoghurt does not contain them Emulsifiers combine substances or liquids into creamy emulsions, they also help foods feel smoother and less sticky when you eat them, explains Dr Amati. Speaking on Tim Spector's Zoe podcast Dr Federica Amati, a researcher at King’s College London and registered nutritionist, warned emulsifiers are a 'red flag' She said: 'Let's say you've picked up a sandwich. While in the US 171 emulsifiers have been approved for human consumption, only 63 have been approved in the UK, this includes other agents like stabilizers, gelling gels, gelling agents, and thickeners An easy sign a food could be a UPF is if it contains ingredients you wouldn't find in your kitchen cupboard, such as unrecognisable colourings, sweeteners and preservatives.