The recent COMA report has recommended that consideration be given to ways of reducing dietary salt intake. Common salt (NaCl) has traditionally been used as a preservative in the production of bacon and other cured meats and present official recommendations for curing result in bacon with around 4% NaCl in lean meat. With modern refrigeration and good hygiene such levels should be neicher necessary or desirable. The objective of this study was to measure the response of consumers to sliced bacon containing differing levels of salt using taste panels for initial screening followed by a consumer survey.

Bacon slices containing 2-7% NaCl in lean were grilled and assessed by 7 laboratory taste panels, each consisting of 12 judges, for saltiness and acceptability.