Celery or Celery Powder - Listed on food packaging

A recently published report into the use of Nitrates within cured and processed meat production has highlighted a link between excessive consumption and the aggravation of symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. However, when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, there is little to no cause and effect evidence to suggest that nitrates pose a significant threat to health in the short or long term.

As a result of negative media coverage of potentially harmful effects, as well as an increased awareness of food ingredients, consumers are now more discerning and knowledgeable than ever about added ingredients. The presence of a perceived ‘unknown’ or ‘non-natural’ ingredient will impact upon sales of food products, including those of cured and processed meats.

The nitrate that is typically used within the mass production of cured and processed meats is added artificially. Sodium Nitrate is converted to Sodium Nitrite within the curing process, and it is this product that works to limit the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. However, many retailers now require that all additional ingredients be declared upon the product packaging. This means that an artificial ingredient, Sodium Nitrate, will appear on the label of a product that the customer considers to be natural!

What XXXXXX Group can offer is a viable alternative to the labelling issue. The product is a Celery Powder blend, which contains high levels of naturally-occurring Sodium Nitrates. It is an effective preservative and curing agent, but it does not have to be declared as Sodium Nitrate or as added nitrates on the packaging, merely as Celery Powder or Celery Extract. In fact, the packaging can actually declare that no nitrates have been added at all! Typically used in bacon and sausages, it may also be used in a wide range of ethnic meats and processed hams. Furthermore, it can be blended with a Cherry Powder to create a ‘pinker’ complexion, depending on the requirements of the customer.