PHILADELPHIA – By the end of 2020, Dietz & Watson deli slicing meats including turkey and chicken breast, ham and roast beef, will be uncured. They will not use nitrates or nitrites in their curing process for these products, the company announced today.
“We will be removing nitrates and nitrates from many of our other products including franks, sausages and snacks and will be making announcements as we do” said Lauren Eni, VP of Brand Strategy for the company, and a 4th generation family member. “Our turkey and chicken breasts have always been uncured, so removing nitrates and nitrites from some of our other products is just another step towards giving consumers the most choice at the deli.”
Many consider Dietz & Watson a pioneer in the “better-for-you” deli category. Back in the mid-70s they introduced their Gourmet Lite line, featuring lower sodium, low fat, low cholesterol turkey breast and deli ham, as well as a no-salt added turkey breast. The company is also very proud of its Originals line of Organic and No Antibiotics Ever deli meats and cheeses, which are already nitrate and nitrite free.
Nitrates are found in small amounts in processed meats, in larger amounts in foods like vegetables, and drinking water. Nitrates and nitrites are frequently added to processed meats like bacon, ham, sausages and hot dogs.
“We are all about and have always been about responding to what consumers want and we pride ourselves on giving consumers the most choice at the deli” said Eni. “While there is very little evidence that nitrates are harmful, more and more consumers are choosing to eat meats that are not cured with nitrates, so we found a natural way to get that traditional color and flavor in cured meats without them.”
The company will release an updated on-going list of products as they tradition and hit the market on their website.
ABOUT DIETZ & WATSON:
Founded in 1939 by Gottlieb Dietz, Dietz & Watson remains true to the original old-world recipes and Gottlieb’s commitment to “quality above all”. Creating the freshest and leanest beef, ham, pork, turkey breast, and chicken breast, Dietz and Watson’s products are enhanced with all-natural spices and seasonings for increased flavor. In addition to the natural seasonings and spices, all of their products are free of artificial flavors, colors, fillers, extenders and MSG. Currently headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dietz & Watson continues their tradition of family and their commitment to expecting the best. Under the lead of Gottlieb Dietz’s daughter, Ruth “Momma” Dietz Eni (Chairman), Dietz & Watson continues to lead the industry in Premium Deli Meats and Artisan Cheeses. In addition to the guidance from Ruth Dietz Eni, the company is led by founder Gottlieb Dietz’ grandchildren, Louis Eni (President and CEO), Chris Eni (COO), Cindy Eni Yingling (CFO). Today, the fourth generation, Lauren Eni, Christopher Yingling, Michael Eni and Tim Yingling have joined the company to carry the tradition further. Learn more at www.DietzAndWatson.com.
