Story perspectives

Bacon Backlash: Nitrite-Free Sales Surge Amid Health Fears

3/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

UK supermarkets are experiencing a "bacon backlash" as consumers avoid nitrite-cured bacon due to cancer-related health concerns.
Sales of nitrite-free bacon have risen by 21.7%, while nitrite-cured bacon sales have fallen by 7.3%.
The shift in demand has produced a £18.7m loss in just three months.
Campaigners supported by cross-party MPs are calling for phasing out nitrites in meat.
The Food Standards Agency maintains that the health link remains inconclusive.

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Story summary

UK supermarkets are experiencing a "bacon backlash" as consumers avoid nitrite-cured bacon due to cancer-related health concerns.
Sales of nitrite-free bacon have risen by 21.7%, while nitrite-cured bacon sales have fallen by 7.3%.
The shift in demand has produced a £18.7m loss in just three months.
Campaigners supported by cross-party MPs are calling for phasing out nitrites in meat.
The Food Standards Agency maintains that the health link remains inconclusive.