An Irish food company, owned by 85 farming families, has launched a new range of ‘Made Without Nitrites’ rashers.

It has partnered with a Cork producer to bring the product to consumers nationwide. 

Truly Irish has developed a rasher made using fruit and spice extracts instead of nitrites, which it said offers a more natural alternative.

‘Truly Irish - Rashers Made Without Nitrites’ is produced in Ireland using 100% Irish pork and is now being sold in many supermarkets and shops

Rashers partnership

The launch marks a new partnership between Truly Irish and Cork-based Irish Bacon Slicers.

The rashers are sliced and packaged at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Ballincollig. 

Nitrites have long been used in meat products to enhance colour and extend shelf life.

However there has been growing awareness and questions around the potential health risks associated with their use.

In recent years, health and food science experts have increasingly called for a move away from nitrites in food production.

CEO of Truly Irish, Mike McAuliffe said: “As farmers, we care deeply about the food we produce and the standards we uphold.

"With this new rasher, we wanted to offer something more natural, without asking people to compromise on taste.

"It’s fantastic to see the product now available in Tesco stores nationwide – it’s a big step forward for us.”

Commercial director at Truly Irish, Sharon Reale added: “Consumers are increasingly looking for clean labeling - food products made simple with recognisable ingredients.

"Our new ‘Made Without Nitrites’ rashers are a direct response to that demand.

"The range is Ireland’s first Bord-Bia-certified rasher made without nitrites which is a significant achievement for our team and our production partners."

Truly Irish

Founded in 2009, Truly Irish is Ireland’s only farmer-owned pork brand, representing 85 pig farming families across the country.

It said that the cooperative model ensures full traceability from farm to fork while supporting sustainable Irish food production and rural communities. 

Irish Bacon Slicers is a second-generation family business with more than five decades of experience in pork and bacon production.

Operating from a 30,000ft² facility in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, the company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout Ireland.