Celery Juice
Celery itself is a whole vegetable. However, celery juice/powder used in 'uncured' or 'no nitrate added' meats functions as a nitrate source equivalent to added sodium nitrate, with similar formation of nitrosamines during cooking.
What it is
Liquid pressed from celery (Apium graveolens), sometimes used fresh or as a powder/concentrate; in cured meats it serves as a natural source of nitrate.
Beverage ingredient; in processed meats, supplies naturally occurring nitrate that bacteria convert to nitrite for curing.
Why it's flagged
- acts as natural nitrate source in cured meats
- celery is an EU labeled allergen
- label may mislead consumers about nitrate content
What regulators actually say
"Products labeled with claims such as 'No Nitrates or Nitrites Added' must... include a statement such as 'except those naturally occurring in [ingredient]' (e.g., celery powder)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Celery is a conventional food; juice/powder are recognized food ingredients.
European Union — EFSA
Celery is listed as an allergen requiring labeling under EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II.
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