UK consumers want to be able to choose nitrite-free ham and bacon when eating outside of the home as awareness grows over the health risks posed by the additives.
An exclusive survey for Footprint by product intelligence platform Vypr found 58% of people would like to see more shops and restaurants offer nitrite-free options, while almost a third say they would be willing to pay more for nitrite-free ham and bacon.
Nitrites are additives used in the production of certain processed meat products like ham and bacon to preserve the reddish/pink colour, produce a ‘cured’ flavour and extend the shelf life.
They are also used to combat the growth of harmful microorganisms, in particular clostridium botulinum, which can cause the life-threatening illness botulism.
However, nitrites have come under growing scrutiny for their link to an increased risk of developing certain cancers, particularly colorectal (bowel) cancer.
Earlier this year, a new Coalition Against Nitrites formed to lobby governments to ban the use of nitrites as a processing aid. The EU has already acted to reduce the maximum permissible levels of nitrites that can be added during the manufacturing of meat products and the UK is under pressure to follow suit.
Footprint’s survey of 1,000 UK adults shows concern about nitrites is growing among the general public. More than half of people (54%) say they have heard of nitrites in relation to ham or bacon, a level of awareness that may be linked to growing coverage of the issue in the mainstream media.
A significant proportion – 40% – say they are concerned about their use with 35% not concerned and 25% neutral.
Notably, there is strong support for the UK government to follow the lead of the EU and reduce the legal limits of nitrites: 57% say they are in support of this happening versus just 11% who are against.
There is significant support too for even stronger action with 40% believing the use of nitrites should be banned altogether in processed meat products.
Alternatives to nitrites do exist and manufacturers are working to bring more nitrite-free products to market, however adoption within the foodservice sector remains low.
Retailers are further ahead in offering ham and bacon made without nitrites and almost of quarter of UK adults say they have already purposely bought these products.
The findings are detailed in a new Footprint report exploring whether the future of ham and bacon is nitrite-free (you can view the report here).
