Northern Irish meat producer Finnebrogue has created a nitrite-free bacon called Naked Bacon. The company claims the product is the first bacon which is completely free of these carcinogenic chemicals.
A study conducted by the World Health Organisation concluded that bacon cured with nitrites can be as dangerous as asbestos, as the chemicals produce cancer-causing nitrosamines once ingested.
Finnebrogue worked with Spanish chemist Prosur to develop the nitrite-free flavouring process. The flavour is derived from a mix of Mediterranean fruit and spice extracts.
Nitrites are added to bacon in order to give the meat its pink colour, its texture and also act as a preservative. Finnebrogue claims its process fulfils the same function as nitrites without the associated health risks.
Denis Lynn, Finnebrogue chairman, said: “The problem with bacon is dead simple. Bacon contains nitrites, nitrites produce nitrosamines in your gut and nitrosamines are carcinogenic. Nitrites should not be in food.
“Our Naked Bacon is not only safer than any other bacon on the market, it also tops the charts in blind taste tests.”
Neil Parish MP, the chairman of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee added: “Making bacon without nitrites – and reducing the risk in the famous full English breakfast – is a remarkable feat of food technology.”
Finnebrogue invested £14 million to bring the product to the UK market, and Naked Bacon will be stocked in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons from 10 January.
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