WHAT ARE NITRATES AND NITRITES?
They are USDA and FDA regulated ingredients listed on the product label ingredient statement. They are very important ingredients that prevent the growth of the botulism bacteria, and also create “cured” meats. Curing is the difference between a roast beef and corned beef, between a pork roast and a ham, between salt pork and bacon. The USDA strictly controls precisely how much nitrite can be added to processed meat products.
