// Waitrose lowers nitrite levels across bacon and gammon ranges
// The move has not compromised the products’ taste or quality
Waitrose has lowered nitrite levels by up to 60 per cent across its own-label fresh bacon and gammon ranges.
The upmarket grocer said the initiative will not compromise the products’ taste or quality.
Across the Essential Waitrose bacon and gammon selections, nitrite levels have been reduced by 60 per cent, while retailer’s dry cure bacon and gammon ranges have seen nitrite levels reduced by 10 per cent.
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The move was made in response to growing public awareness surrounding the preservatives after a World Health Organisation report recommended limiting them in the diet.
“We know many of our customers love a bacon sandwich or the occasional full English,” Waitrose pork buyer Amy Trobridge said.
“This change means that they can enjoy great tasting, high welfare bacon with reduced nitrite levels. Our updated range doesn’t come at any additional cost to our customers either,” she said.
Waitrose has seen a 44 per cent rise in bacon sales in the last three months.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, the number of cooked breakfasts served in UK households has almost doubled, with an estimated 20 million eaten during the four weeks to April 19, according to Kantar Worldpanel.
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