Written question asked by Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 15 January 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 January 2024 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Friday, 19 January 2024. A substantive answer was provided by Andrea Leadsom (Conservative) on Friday, 19 January 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Meat Products: Preservatives

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential health benefits of lowering the legal limits on nitrites in processed meat products.

Answer: The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which holds policy responsibility for the safety of food additives, is assessing the impact of the new European Union decision. Nitrates are important additives that perform a range of technological functions, including control of microorganisms such as the pathogen Clostridium botulinum which is responsible for botulism, an often fatal condition. The FSA would wish to ensure there are no unintended food safety consequences related to lowering nitrate/nitrite levels before considering next steps.

Secondary information