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EU nitrates directive raises alarm among UK bodies

An EU directive on the removal of all nitrates from organic meat products is likely to seriously harm the UK industry, according to a new report.

The EU has stipulated that nitrate-preserving products, particularly sodium nitrite (E250) and potassium nitrate (E252) must be removed from organic products by 31 December.

However, a Defra-commissioned study by Campden BRI has revealed there are a serious lack of preserving products that could be used in the absence of any nitrates. Some large manufacturers have indicated that they will cease producing organic cured products should permission to use nitrates and nitrites be withdrawn, according to the report.

Defra has yet to make a decision on the addition of nitrates to organic meat, taking the line of the report that it would put them on a collision course with the EU.

The EU has acted on conclusions from work conducted by a number of sources, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which has claimed that "ingested nitrate or nitrite, under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation [nitrosamines deriving from nitrate forming in the stomach], is probably carcinogenic to humans".

A spokesperson for Campden BRI said: "There are concerns about how the proposed ban would affect the market for typically British organic cured meats, such as bacon, ham and gammon, potentially putting smaller manufacturers out of business."

The Soil Association is working with Defra on a case to put to the EU Commission to support an amendment of the EU Regulation.

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