Smoked bacon from nitrite-free pioneer

Finnebrogue Artisan in Northern Ireland has added a new Naked smoked bacon to its successful nitrite-free range.

The company, based at Downpatrick in county Down, launched its Naked nitrite-free bacon and ham and pork sausages earlier in the year, which it says eliminates "nasties" associated with increased cancer risk.

The Naked sausages are also made without e-numbers.

The new smoked bacon (RRP £3) is on sale on Morrisons' online store at an initial offer price of £2.50, with further deals with other retailers in the pipeline.

The Naked range is part of the Northern Ireland company's £14 million investment that includes the introduction of atomising technology that passes smoke through water to create a smoky flavour.

Chairman Denis Lynn, explaining the decision to launch the latest product, says: "We have been inundated by requests from customers for nitrite-free bacon."

The atomising technology enabled the smoked bacon is made without 99 percent of "nasty tars and chemicals".

Finnebrogue, one of Northern Ireland's most innovative food processors, uses a natural flavouring in the development of its Naked bacon and ham products.

The flavouring is produced from Mediterranean fruit and spice extracts and used in continental style hams in the European Union,

With the World Health Organisation (WHO) claiming consuming nitrites can increase the risk of developing cancer, Finnebrogue is stating that its Naked Bacon is a 'safer option' than other bacon products on the market.

"Our Naked Bacon is not only safer than any other bacon on the market, it also tops the charts in blind taste tests," Mr Lynn adds.