Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to require manufacturers to reduce the level of nitrates in processed foods; and if he will make a statement.

Legislation on preservatives sets levels for nitrates in specific foods. These levels are based on extensive scientific evidence that ensures that such additives may be consumed safely over a lifetime and allows the achievement of their necessary technological function.

The Food Standards Agency considers the current scientific evidence on nitrates is robust and shows nitrates continue to be highly effective in protecting consumers from dangerous pathogens like Clostridium botulinum which can present a serious risk to health.