Finnebrogue is marketing “naked bacon” in Ireland, a product
that has no synthetic nitrates.
Nitrates have been used for decades to make bacon. The
nitrates guard against harmful bacteria, but can also be converted by saliva
into nitrosamines which have been found to cause cancer.
Finnebrogue says on its website that its Naked Bacon
product is free of nitrates, nitrites, preservatives and allergens.
The company uses “natural Mediterranean fruit and spice
extracts” that provide the anti-microbial protection and flavors that usually
result from the use of nitrates in processed meats including bacon.
Naked Bacon is scheduled to debut in major U.K. supermarket
chains next week, with Naked Ham launching Jan. 15, the company said.
