Supermarkets hit by falling demand for nitrite-cured bacon due to cancer fears

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Denis Campbell Health policy editorMarch 6, 2026 at 06:40 PM

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medium article 3 min

UK supermarkets are experiencing a decline in sales of nitrite-cured bacon due to consumer concerns about the potential cancer risks associated with nitrites, chemicals used in the curing process. Data shows a 7.3% decrease in sales of nitrite-cured bacon in the 12 weeks leading up to January 25th, compared to the previous year. Conversely, sales of nitrite-free bacon, offered by brands like Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, have risen by 21.7% during the same period. The shift follows a 2016 World Health Organization declaration linking processed meats, including bacon, to cancer. Campaigners are urging the government to phase out the use of nitrites in meat production, while the Food Standards Agency maintains that the link between nitrites and health remains inconclusive.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

NIQ 50% Finnebrogue 60% Conservative Party (UK) 60% Labour Party (UK) 60% Food Standards Agency 70% Waitrose 70% Worldpanel by Numerator ×270% Marks & Spencer 70% Chris Elliott ×280% World Health Organization 80% Coalition Against Nitrites ×390% United Kingdom ×290%

Keywords

nitrite-cured bacon 100% cancer risk 90% nitrite-free bacon 80% bacon sales 70% consumer revolt 60% processed meat 50% food safety 40% food standards agency 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United Kingdom

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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nitrite-cured bacon cancer risk nitrite-free bacon bacon sales consumer revolt processed meat food safety food standards agency

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