The SNP Government has declared that Scotland should be a Good Food Nation. It’s a laudable aim, as is the ambition for Scotland to be the best country in the world for children to grow up in. Healthy food is vital for a healthy childhood so the shocking revelation that nitro-meat is a school dinner staple not only undermines these commitments, it is a scandal.

Nitrites add colour to processed meats and prolong their shelf life but scientists are clear on the dangers these foods pose to the public.

Four years ago, the World Health Organisation published evidence that linked processed meats – such as bacon and ham – to colorectal cancer, identifying nitrites and nitrosamines as the likely cause.

And last year, a ground-breaking University of Glasgow research study of more than 260,000 women found that reducing processed meat consumption could cut a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. That research was joined by a decade-long study in the US published by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine which suggested a direct link between nitrites and the onset of mental health problems.

The scientific community is increasingly speaking with one voice when it comes to the case for nitrite-free meat. SNP Ministers are aware of the evidence. That’s why Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who doubles up as Cabinet Secretary for Education, has been pondering new regulations for school meals, including proposals to limit the amount of processed meat, since last year. There should be no hesitation over nitrites; they must be removed from the school menu immediately.

Herald on Sunday readers will rightly be asking why many of Scotland’s councils are still serving meats containing these chemicals, despite a clear link to cancer. Where else are nitro-meats being served? Our hospitals? The Scottish Government must provide answers.

The nutritional guidelines that councils base their school meals on are set by the Scottish Government. Our understanding of the dangers posed by the ingredients in our food is constantly increasing. Amid continued scientific development, the regulations that govern what our children eat in school cannot be frozen in time.

Since the early years of devolution there has been a push by successive administrations to boost Scotland’s health by improving nutrition in schools. Removing nitrites from school meals must be a public health priority for the Scottish Government. To earn a ‘Good Food Nation’ reputation Scotland cannot remain complicit in this scandal.

In the widest terms, Scottish Labour will work constructively with the government to improve nutrition in our schools, but without delay SNP Ministers must act following this investigation and take nitrites out of Scotland’s school meals.

It is only right that I disclose I have been vegetarian for 25 years. In speaking out my motivation isn’t to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of their bacon sandwich. Nitrite-free options are available and should be the norm. It is over to our aspiring ‘Good Food’ government to show leadership.