A survey by Britain's Food Commission has determined many processed meats are laden with water, with some sausages containing only 37 percent meat.
A survey in its Food Magazine found added water in bacon, ham, chicken, lamb, turkey, sausages and hot dogs.
Companies can legally add up to 5 percent water to any food without declaring it as an ingredient, but must state on the label if they add more than that, the BBC reported Wednesday.
The water is added by soaking, tumbling or injection, and can be held in place by phosphate additives or ingredients such as starch or gelatin.
But Food Commission spokesman Ian Tokelove called for clearer labeling "with a declaration on the front of the packet showing the percentage of added water.
"The information given on the labels is inconsistent, sometimes hard to find, and often very confusing," he said.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
