Tesco bans artificial ingredients

Tesco is reported to be banning all artificial ingredients from its ready-meal offer.

Suppliers for Tesco’s own-label range are being told to use traditional cooking methods and cut out the use of additives.

The retailer is introducing a new concept called the “kitchen cupboard” guarantee, meaning it will not be selling ready meals with ingredients that cannot by found in a household kitchen.

Carolyn Bradley, Tesco food buying director, said the guarantee meant busy shoppers would not have to worry about the content of their food.

"Tesco has always worked hard to minimise the use of artificial ingredients but with our new guarantee we've taken this on to the next level," she added.