ESSENTIAL WAITROSE & PARTNERS HIGHER WELFARE 10 BR
Processing
3
Processed foods
Group 3 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
2
2 we grade moderate or higher
Counted from the label, not by quantity
Salt per 100g
2.50g
High
UK FSA front of pack threshold
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (2)
This label lists 2 preservatives.
E250
Sodium nitrite
Preservative and colour fixer, cured meats
What it is. A curing salt that keeps cured and processed meats pink and stops the growth of the bacteria behind botulism.
Why it is used. Used in bacon, ham, salami and hot dogs for preservation, safety and colour.
What the evidence says. The concern is not the additive in isolation but processed meat as a whole, which the WHO's cancer agency IARC classes as Group 1, meaning there is sufficient evidence it causes colorectal cancer. Nitrite can form nitrosamines during curing and cooking, and those are the likely culprit. Risk rises with how much processed meat you eat over time.
Permitted with strict maximum levels. The EU cut the allowed limits further from 2023 to reduce nitrosamine formation.
Assessed against IARC, EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E250
E251
Sodium nitrate
Preservative, cured meats and some cheeses
What it is. A curing agent that slowly converts to nitrite in the product, giving a longer acting preservative effect.
Why it is used. Used in dry cured meats and a few traditional cheeses.
What the evidence says. Sits under the same processed meat evidence as nitrite, since it ends up as nitrite in the food. Same practical takeaway: the issue is regular processed meat intake, not a trace in one meal.
Permitted with maximum levels, tightened in the EU alongside nitrite.
Assessed against IARC, EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E251
Ingredients
Pork loin (87%), water, salt, preservatives (sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite), antioxidant (sodium ascorbate) Preparation: Use separate kitchen utensils and surfaces for raw meat and cooked, or wash between uses. Wash hands after handling raw meat. Unwrap and dispose of packaging carefully. All cooking appliances vary This is a guide only. For best results grill. Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked. GRILL CHILLED 5 mins NUTRITION TYPICAL VALUES PER PER 2 AS SOLD 100g SLICES Energy 824 494 Energy kcal 198 119 Fat 14.5g 8.7g
As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.