Sensory quality and consumer perception of reduced/free-from nitrates/nitrites cured meats

Synthetic nitrates and nitrites are commonly used food additives that play an important role in enhancing the sensory quality and consumer acceptability of cured meats. However, these compounds have been linked to health concerns, leading to recent regulatory changes. On the 6th of October 2023, a new European Commission Regulation was launched to reduce the maximum allowable limits of these additives in cured meats in the European Union. This review presents the legislative chronicles in the European Union regarding nitrates/nitrites as food additives and their antimicrobial and antioxidant effect when used in cured meats. Consumer perception of reduced/free-from nitrates/nitrites cured meats and strategies for creating product formulations without or with reduced amounts of nitrates/nitrites and their impact on different sensory attributes are discussed.