Sodium Nitrite or Sodium Nitrate is normally found in processed meats like Salami, Ham, Bacon and tin foods like SPAM.  We have heard questions asked on whether this is safe for human consumption. Well, this preservative has been added years and years ago and after consuming all these processed meat, we are still alive. So we can pretty much deduce that its safe, used the appropriate way and in its right amount.

So what is Sodium Nitrite or Sodium Nitrate?

It preserves the colour of the processed meat, giving it the "pinkish" appearance. Normally if we cook meat, it'll turn a dull grey colour - which is unappealing to even look at. Foods containing Sodium Nitrite or Sodium Nitrate will remain "pink" throughout its cooking process. 

This preservative is also known to minimize botulism (a very rare kind of food poisoning caused by eating canned foods or preserved food). 

It is arguably safe to say that if we eat processed food minimally, it wouldn't cause any harm to us. It is only when we constantly eat processed food in large amounts that it may potentially become harmful to our health. Always do things in moderation.

Picture courtesy of Essential Baby

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