Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the safety of nitrate compounds used to colour preserved meat pink.

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

The FSA has recently worked with industry across the United Kingdom to understand the levels used in processed meat, cheese, and fish products. This is in light of the recent changes in the European Union (EU). Currently, the UK’s position on the EU’s changes is being formulated, whilst ensuring foods remain safe.