The UK salad industry may yet be able to influence the thinking of other European producers over the acceptability of nitrates as part of production.
Ben Benjamin of the Peninsula Medical School revealed preliminary research at the British Leafy Salads Association conference last week, which suggests that rather than being a pollutant or toxic substance dietary nitrate may be an essential component of a healthy diet offering protection against disease.
"Recent studies have confirmed that individuals who consume more nitrate are also less likely to develop cancer," said Dr Benjamin. "The danger to young infants of high nitrate concentrations in water has probably been over estimated," he told more than 200 delegates in presenting his findings which have yet to be proven.
The news was welcomed by Graham Ward representing the NFU who hopes it will help change what he called "the mindset" of other EU member states.
Meanwhile salads were also given a clean bill of health by Emeritus Professor Hugh Pennington. Describing them as "very safe", he also warned "a new bacteria might come along which has nothing to do with your industry".
The need for full traceability is a view he shares with Jim Monaghan, responsible for salads at Marks & Spencer. Monaghan's commitment to the principle has led to the multiple adopting a strategy known as Field to Fork, following the results of a study commissioned through Adas.
"We found leafy salads, herbs, peas, salad onions, beansprouts, melons and peppers could never be guaranteed to be pathogen free," said Dr Monaghan. "While growers should be aware the sources of water and manure water, they should also consider the risks in field harvesting and packing.
"When packing in the field it could be argued that protective clothing is not about protecting workers from the product, but the product from the workers," he said.
Meanwhile the BLSA is preparing to issue a brochure early next year about the industry to keep the media better informed and help avoid scare stories.
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