Nitrites in cured meat
Short answer. Producers add nitrite (E249, E250) and nitrate (E251, E252) to cured meat. They stop dangerous bacteria and keep the pink colour. In the body, nitrite can form nitrosamines, and some nitrosamines cause cancer. How much risk this adds depends on how much you eat.
Why meat contains them
Nitrite slows the growth of bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum in ham, bacon and sausages. It also gives cured meat its colour and flavour. Nitrate turns into nitrite during curing.
What the experts say
- EFSA (2017). EFSA re-evaluated nitrites and nitrates as food additives. It found that added nitrite makes up a small part of total nitrite exposure. EFSA could not tell whether nitrosamines in cured meat came from added nitrite or were already in the food. It judged the uncertainty on nitrosamine formation to be high.
- IARC (2010). IARC classified ingested nitrate and nitrite, under conditions that lead to nitrosation in the body, as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A).
- IARC (2015). IARC classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). The classification is about the strength of the evidence, not the size of the risk.
Celery nitrite
Some products say "no added nitrite" and use celery powder or celery juice. These contain natural nitrate. During production it turns into nitrite, so the effect is similar. The label may show celery, which is also an EU allergen.
In practice
- Eat cured meat in moderation.
- Children weigh less, so the same slice counts for more.
- Vegetables are the main source of dietary nitrate, and they come with other substances that change the effect in the body.
What IngrediScan does
The app finds E249 to E252 and celery-based nitrite, and shows the level for each profile with the reason and the sources. See the page for sodium nitrite.
Sources
- EFSA: re-evaluation of potassium nitrite (E 249) and sodium nitrite (E 250), 2017
- European Commission: re-evaluation of food additives
- IARC: list of classifications
Ingredient pages
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.