Celery Powder
Celery powder is dehydrated celery, often used in 'uncured' or 'no nitrite added' processed meats as a natural source of nitrate that bacteria convert to nitrite. The resulting nitrite is biochemically identical to synthetic sodium nitrite, so cured meats made with celery powder carry the same IARC Group 1 carcinogen risk as conventional cured meats.
What it is
Dried, ground celery (often pre-fermented) used as a natural source of nitrate/nitrite for curing.
Natural curing agent (nitrite source) and flavoring in 'uncured' processed meats; seasoning.
Why it's flagged
- Acts as a nitrite source in cured meats with same carcinogenic potential as synthetic nitrites
- Celery is a major allergen requiring labeling in EU
What regulators actually say
"Celery juice or powder is the most commonly used commercially available natural source of nitrate... must first be harvested, juiced and fermented to convert the nitrate to nitrite."
"There is absolutely no difference in the way we process nitrites whether they are man-made or come from celery or other vegetables."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Generally recognized food ingredient; USDA-FSIS regulates labeling on 'uncured' processed meats containing celery powder.
European Union — EFSA
Celery is a listed allergen requiring labeling under Regulation 1169/2011.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app