Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Food Standards Agency’s position on the use of added nitrites in processed meats; and whether they intend to review current UK food additive regulations in line with evolving EU standards

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.