Vegetables have been singled out as culprits in the latest cancer scare.

An Observer article revealed on Sunday that nitrates in vegetables could be the cause of the fastest growing cancer in the UK.

Research at Glasgow University suggests that the increased use of nitrate fertilisers since the Second World War could be the cause of the rise in gullet cancer, which affects 3,000 people in the UK every year.

The overall number of cases in the UK has trebled in the last 20 years. The figure is thought to be particularly high due to the fact we grow a large percentage of produce under glass.

A link has also been made to the high levels of nitrate found naturally in fruit and vegetables. And eating organic is no safer because organic produce contains substantial levels of nitrate, some of which come from natural fertilisers such as manure.

Highest levels are found in green and root vegetables.

The revelation of the cancer-vegetable link is part of the world's first study into nitrate-rich fruit and vegetables and the disease, led by Professor Kenneth McColl.

The Glasgow team will now be carrying out tests on humans in order to find out the extent of the problem.

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK said: 'While this research is interesting, it does not provide any firm evidence of a link between nitrate fertilisers in vegetables and an increased risk of cancer.

'People should not change their dietary habits as a result of the study.

'Fruit and vegetables are filled with anti-cancer compounds and we need to eat more of them rather than less.

'We support the government recommendation that everyone should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

'There are already well-established risk factors for cancer of the oesophagus, in particular drinking alcohol above recommended levels.

'Since the Second World War, alcohol consumption has risen, which would fit with the increased incidence of this cancer.' l

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