Label Decoder: Sodium Nitrite
If you think hot dogs, bacon and lunch meats keep that pinkish hue naturally, think again! These are just a few of the foods that contain the preservative sodium nitrite, which may be harmful to your health.
What is it?
“Sodium nitrite” and “sodium nitrate” (you might see either on a food label) are used as preservatives to keep meat that bright red color and help prevent bacterial growth.
Where is it?
Sodium nitrite is commonly added to cured meats, bacon, sausage, ham and smoked fish. The FDA has established guidelines to limit the amount of nitrites that can be used in foods. Many food companies are using less and less of these additives because of their potential dangers.
What is the problem?
Nitrites in food can lead to the formation of chemicals called nitrosamines, which may cause cancer. Studies have linked eating cured meats that contain nitrites to various types of cancer in children, pregnant women and adults. Although studies have yet to prove that eating nitrites in bacon, sausage and ham causes cancer in humans, the Center for Science in the Public Interest urges pregnant women to avoid these foods.
The addition of ascorbic acid (a.k.a. vitamin C), erythorbic acids or alpha-tocopherol (a.k.a. vitamin E) can help prevent the formation of nitrosamine. You might see these things added to nitrite-containing products (read the ingredients label). This has dramatically decreased nitrosamines in foods, which is a good thing!
How do you avoid it?
Check labels on meat and fish products and choose products that are free of nitrates and nitrites. Applegate Farms is one company that has many products — including lunch meats — that are labeled “no nitrates” or “no nitrites added.”
One thing to remember is there’s a difference between the nitrites added to meats and the ones naturally existing in fruits and vegetables. Check out this LA Times article to learn more.
You made a good point – the difference between red meat and reddish meat. Preservatives help keep food longer but may have side effects. The effects can be neutralized with other chemicals as these are just a matter of compounds counteracting the other.Limiting cured meat may help but reading the label to know what additives have been used, will help the more.
It is really nice that you inform us about this, I’ve been well kept-informed of these facts which is really helpful and I started being aware of the choices in food around me, thanks very much. I am looking forward for the next info’s.
You made a good point – the difference between red meat and reddish meat. Preservatives help keep food longer but may have side effects. The effects can be neutralized with other chemicals as these are just a matter of compounds counteracting the other.Limiting cured meat may help but reading the label to know what additives have been used, will help the more.
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.
it is really nice to know that companys make nitrate free meats because i can not have them or very much of them because of a headache condition.
The Applegate brand is hard to find, however because there is an increasing demand for healthier products, I did find at my local Stop & Shop the brand “Nature’s Promise” which has a nitrate free hotdog.. I will buy them for my grandchildren, as they are huge fans of hotdogs. I will have to sneak one past my husband who will refuse to eat a “healthy” hotdog.Even though I did tell him what nitrates are (yuck!) he won’t try one (knowingly). It is hard to teach an “old dog” new tricks, but I will try.
Boar’s Head makes an All Natural line that is wonderful, thank god for them. No nitrates – so good.
I think these healthier foods are great, but why does it COST so much MORE to NOT add something that's bad for you?
Probably because they may not have as long a shelf life (all these additives are often just to keep foods preserved longer). These other foods that avoid relying additives also probably incorporate higher-quality ingredients, which might make them cost more in the end. Or the manufacturer may see these products as a premium compared to their regular line and use that to justify a higher sticker price. However, fresh, healthy foods like fruits and veggies are additive free and certainly not expensive. What drives up costs is the packaging (and all the marketing).
Government subsidies, one would think. Aren't you loving it?
It might be nitrate-free,but it is probably high msg(disguised under other names eg 'flavour','natural flavour',etc.
And high in salt etc.
You can't find healthy cooked food.
Only raw fresh fruits,vegetables and fish etc are safe.
ROLF, I dare you to find someone with gastric paralysis and make them eat raw fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. they’re at high risk for forming the equivalent of human hairballs. Before you make such broad statements based on your opinion (and not all raw fish is safe), please think that the statement may not apply to EVERYONE. I agree that for most people, raw can be a good option but not for everyone.