All food additives used in the United Kingdom, including preservatives, are subject to rigorous safety assessments before they are authorised for use. These assessments consider the intended purpose, the types of foods they may be added to, and maximum permitted levels to ensure consumer safety.

The permitted levels are established in line with the latest scientific evidence to protect health, and there is no conclusive evidence that approved preservatives, when used within these limits, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes or cancer.

The Food Standards Agency is responsible for food safety in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and regularly reviews emerging evidence, taking action if new risks are identified.

The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) review of nitrates and nitrites as food additives is an important piece of work that summarises recent evidence from human studies to inform policy decisions.

To maintain transparency, the full report, including its scope, search criteria, and details of the external contract, has been published on Government websites. This allows stakeholders and the public to see exactly how the review was conducted and how conclusions were reached.

The published report clearly sets out the methodology and criteria used, providing clarity and confidence in the process. The FSA does not routinely publish internal correspondence or preparatory communications, due to the potential inclusion of commercially sensitive or personal information. However, the report itself provides full transparency on the evidence base and decision-making approach. There have been no discussions on changing this approach.

There are no plans to commission a broader multidisciplinary study. Existing permitted nitrite levels are based on robust international risk assessments and remain appropriate to protect public health. Commissioning a new study would require significant resource and is not justified without new evidence indicating a change in risk.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) review of nitrates and nitrites as food additives is an important piece of work and will not be withdrawn. Its purpose was to summarise recent evidence from human studies to inform policy decisions, rather than to provide a full risk assessment. Current policy continues to align with NHS dietary advice, which recommends limiting consumption of red and processed meat, some of which contain nitrites, to 70g per day. We understand public concern about potential long-term health effects, including cancer risk, and remain committed to monitoring emerging evidence closely.

To maintain transparency, the full report, including its scope, search criteria, and details of the external contract, has been published on Government websites. This allows stakeholders and the public to see exactly how the review was conducted and how conclusions were reached.

The published report clearly sets out the methodology and criteria used, providing clarity and confidence in the process. While the FSA does not routinely publish internal correspondence or preparatory communications, due to the potential inclusion of commercially sensitive or personal information, the report itself provides full transparency on the evidence base and decision-making approach.

There are no plans to commission a broader multidisciplinary study. Existing permitted nitrite levels are based on robust international risk assessments and remain appropriate to protect public health. Commissioning a new study would require significant resource and is not justified without new evidence indicating a change in risk.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers that the existing levels of nitrites, approved food additives, provide sufficient protection for consumers. The FSA is aware of the changes made by the European Union, but has no plans to alter the maximum levels currently in legislation, because they remain important preservatives in a range of foods. As with all food additives, they have undergone safety assessments before authorisation and have been subject to various reviews both at a national and international level.

The FSA continues to keep new evidence under review as part of our rolling surveillance for previously authorised food additives. A review of the safety of nitrates and nitrites as food additives has been recently commissioned and will report back any significant changes in the supporting evidence base.

Current Government advice on red and processed meat consumption is based on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition’s (SACN) report Iron and Health published in 2010. More recent studies demonstrating nitrites as a plausible mechanism for the correlation of red and processed meat intake and an increased risk of cancer have not yet been considered by the SACN. However, the committee is due to consider the topic of iron, which will likely include an assessment of the risks and benefits in relation to red and processed meat consumption.

In relation to processed foods more broadly, the SACN’s April 2025 rapid evidence update on processed foods and health found that the categories of processed food consistently associated with adverse health outcomes, including cancer, included meat and animal products. The SACN therefore reiterated its existing advice on processed foods, including avoiding high intakes of red and processed meat.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers that the existing levels of nitrites, approved food additives, provide sufficient protection for consumers. The FSA is aware of the changes made by the European Union, but has no plans to alter the maximum levels currently in legislation, because they remain important preservatives in a range of foods. As with all food additives, they have undergone safety assessments before authorisation and have been subject to various reviews both at a national and international level.

The FSA continues to keep new evidence under review as part of our rolling surveillance for previously authorised food additives. A review of the safety of nitrates and nitrites as food additives has been recently commissioned and will report back any significant changes in the supporting evidence base.

Current Government advice on red and processed meat consumption is based on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition’s (SACN) report Iron and Health published in 2010. More recent studies demonstrating nitrites as a plausible mechanism for the correlation of red and processed meat intake and an increased risk of cancer have not yet been considered by the SACN. However, the committee is due to consider the topic of iron, which will likely include an assessment of the risks and benefits in relation to red and processed meat consumption.

In relation to processed foods more broadly, the SACN’s April 2025 rapid evidence update on processed foods and health found that the categories of processed food consistently associated with adverse health outcomes, including cancer, included meat and animal products. The SACN therefore reiterated its existing advice on processed foods, including avoiding high intakes of red and processed meat.

No specific assessment has been made of the public health impact of removing added nitrates and/or nitrites from processed meats. An assessment has been made of the health impact of nitrates/nitrites more generally.

Government advice on red and processed meat consumption is based on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition’s (SACN) report Iron and Health, published in 2010. This report concluded that red and processed meat intake is probably associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The report considered nitrates and nitrites, which are preservatives that are added to some processed meats, as one of the plausible mechanisms for this association, and it concluded that the data did not support this, and noted that although such preservatives are permitted in processed meats, not all processed meats will contain these.

Based on the SACN’s conclusions, the Government advises that adults who regularly consume more than 90 grams per day of red and processed meat reduce their consumption to no more than the population average of 70 grams per day. This recommendation is also consistent with advice from the European Food Safety Authority in relation to safe levels for nitrites and nitrates added to meat. Intakes of red and processed meat are monitored through the National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

All food additives used in food and drink in Great Britain have undergone a rigorous safety assessment before they were authorised.

The Government supports the stance of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which is the regulator for food safety in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The FSA considers that the existing levels of these approved food additives provide sufficient protection for consumers. The FSA is aware of the changes made by the European Union, but has no plans to alter the maximum levels currently in legislation, because they remain important preservatives in a range of foods. As with all food additives, they have undergone safety assessments before authorisation and have been subject to various reviews both at a national and international level.

The Government advises consumers to reduce overall meat consumption, both red meat and cured meats, as part of a healthy balanced diet.

As outlined in the 19 May UK-EU Summit common understanding document, an SPS Agreement will cover sanitary and phytosanitary standards and controls and also wider agrifood rules related to food labelling, organics, and key marketing standards and compositional standards- as well as pesticides. The details of the Agreement are subject to negotiation, but the Government is committed to high food standards.

The House has no policies on the procurement of meat products processed with nitrites.

Nitrites are present in the following meat products served on the estate: Bacon, Chorizo, Salami, Pancetta, Prosciutto, Salted Beef Brisket.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers that existing levels of nitrites and nitrates in the United Kingdom are sufficiently protective for consumers, and they remain important preservatives in a range of foods that control a range of harmful micro-organisms. However, as with all additives, this remains under review.

Given the European Union (EU) changes to levels, the FSA wishes to ensure there are no unintended food safety consequences. The FSA is engaging with stakeholders across the UK to understand the implications of the EU changes on nitrates in processed meat, cheese and fish products and any impacts they may have on industry. It is necessary to understand the ability of industry to reformulate to meet the various transition periods, whilst ensuring foods remain safe. This will support formulation of a UK position on the use of nitrates/nitrites as a food additive in these commodities.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers that existing levels of nitrites and nitrates in the United Kingdom are sufficiently protective for consumers, and they remain important preservatives in a range of foods that control a range of harmful micro-organisms. However, as with all additives, this remains under review. Given the European Union’s changes to levels, the FSA wishes to ensure there are no unintended food safety consequences. The FSA is engaging with stakeholders across the United Kingdom to understand the implications of the EU changes on nitrates in processed meat, cheese and fish products and any impacts they may have on industry. It is necessary to understand the ability of industry to reformulate to meet the various transition periods, whilst ensuring foods remain safe. This will support formulation of a UK position on the EU changes.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which holds policy responsibility for the safety of food additives, is considering the impact of lowering nitrate levels from a food safety perspective. 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 and nitrite levels before considering next steps.

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.

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.

Nitrites are an approved food additive for use in bacon and ham products. The HM Government considers that existing levels of nitrites and nitrates in food products are sufficiently protective of consumers. Where individual companies decide to use authorised alternatives to nitrites, this is ultimately a commercial decision as to what products they bring to market.

Existing requirements on the control of additives in food production ensure that food is produced safely and is labelled to enable consumers to make informed choices on the food they buy and consume. The HM Government is always looking for ways to support innovation in the food industry but takes the position that intervention should be restricted only to areas where there are food safety or health concerns based on available evidence.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) works with the food industry to ensure that nitrites and nitrates are used at the lowest possible levels to achieve its technological function, without jeopardising the safety of food. Maximum legal limits for nitrates have been determined based on scientific evaluation and are monitored through risk-based compliance checks. There are no plans to reduce the levels of nitrates in processed meat products.

The FSA will seek independent scientific advice whenever new credible scientific studies emerge, which will be considered with existing evidence and determine whether any further action on authorised food additives is necessary.

Anti-histamines are generally available over-the-counter. Often there are several brands available and it is usually possible to select a colour-free brand or avoid an additive of concern. If an additive can cause allergic reactions or has other known effects it must be named on the outer label of the product as well as included in the list of ingredients stated in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

Information about the ingredients used in medicines is available on the website of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at the following link:

www.mhra.gov.uk/spc-pil/

Access to the PIL for medicines licensed in the United Kingdom and the list of ingredients in full is available using the link. Alternatively, patients or healthcare professionals may wish to contact the MHRA to ask whether products free from a particular ingredient have a marketing authorisation and identify the authorisation holder.

Although colours may be considered unnecessary they can help to prevent medication errors by assisting the differentiation between products, especially when they are placed in multi-compartment compliance aids.

All colourings permitted for use in medicines are also permitted for use in foods and allergic reactions to them are extremely rare and usually mild. It is a requirement that the warning “may cause allergic reaction” is in the PIL of medicines when azo colouring agents are used although it is accepted that patients cannot always choose whether or not to use a particular medicine.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued guidance in 2008 and 2013 which discourages the use of colourings with allergenic or toxicological potential in new medicines for children and as more new medicines are licensed the number of colour–free medicines available for children should increase.

Concerns in relation to the more general inclusion colours in medicines have been raised by the MHRA at European level, most recently in November 2017. The MHRA is continuing to work with the EMA to develop further guidance in this area and is leading in the preparation of new guidance on warnings in relation to azo colours and is also involved in initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of colour-free products.

Liquid medicines, such as anti-histamines intended for children, need to last for many months to enable their distribution through the supply chain and be kept in the home ready for the occasion when they are needed. This would be impossible without the use of preservatives preventing microbiological spoilage and the risks this would pose to patients. As a consequence of this, the use of preservatives is necessary in such medicines. Alternatives to preservatives such as syrup based medicines or use of alcohols are also unsuitable for, or are not favoured by, a number of patients.

The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has regularly considered MCI both on its own and in a mixture with MI. The SCCS last considered MCI on its own in 2009, and in a mixture with MI in the ratio of 3:1 in 2014

With respect to cosmetics, Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI or CMI) can only be used as a permitted preservative under the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation as a mixture of MCI and Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in a ratio of 3:1 up to a maximum authorised concentration of 0.0015 % in rinse-off cosmetic products.

As the SCCS has recently reviewed the use of MCI, I have made no additional assessment.