Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
Dietz & Watson is redesigning cold cuts amid health concerns
Cold cuts have drawn renewed scrutiny as health concerns spread online and through US politics.
Since 2015, the World Health Organization has classified cured meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, and research has linked diets heavy in processed-meat additives to other health problems.
Influencers have also criticized cold cuts for ingredients such as nitrates, preservatives and emulsifiers.
Deli-counter sales are trending downward, according to recent data from market analytics firm Circana.
Philadelphia-based producer Dietz & Watson says it is close to completing a line of redesigned “clean” cold cuts after about a decade of work.
The company says its products go beyond typical “uncured” options, but the available account does not explain the full range of changes or when the line will be complete.
Dietz & Watson is nearing a goal to redesign almost its entire cold-cut product line as “clean” products.
The company says the redesigned meats go beyond typical “uncured” products sold in grocery stores.
The effort comes as health concerns and social media criticism add pressure on the lunch meat industry.
The World Health Organization has classified cured meats as a Group 1 carcinogen since 2015.
Deli counter sales have been trending downward, according to market analytics firm Circana.
- Who
- Dietz & Watson, one of America’s largest cold-cut producers.
- What
- The company is close to offering a nearly complete line of redesigned “clean” cold cuts.
- When
- The effort has taken roughly a decade; the company is now close to its goal.
- Where
- Dietz & Watson’s headquarters and production facility are in northeast Philadelphia.
- Why
- The company is responding to health concerns and pressure on the lunch meat industry.
Health critics and influencers
Dietz & Watson
Health concerns
Health critics and influencers
Critics say cold cuts contain additives and have been linked to health problems.
Dietz & Watson
The company is redesigning its products as “clean” cold cuts.
The World Health Organization classified cured meats as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Dietz & Watson began work on its goal of creating a nearly complete line of “clean” cold cuts.
Men's Health reported that the company was close to reaching that goal.
- Company
- Dietz & Watson
- Product line
- Nearly complete range of redesigned “clean” cold cuts
- Facility size
- 350,000 square feet
- Location
- Northeast Philadelphia
- WHO classification
- Cured meats have been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen since 2015
What people are saying
They’re packed with nitrates, nitrites, preservatives, and emulsifiers. Lunch meat is like rocket fuel for inflammation. Start cleaning your fridge now.
To Make America Healthy Again, we must return to the basics
Sources
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