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Nitrates

Low concern

IARC has classified ingested nitrate/nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans). Conversion to N-nitroso compounds during cooking and digestion is linked to colorectal cancer risk in epidemiological studies.

Found in

30 products

What it is

Nitrate salts (typically sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate) used as curing agents in processed and cured meats; also occur naturally in vegetables.

Curing agent; preserves color, inhibits Clostridium botulinum, and contributes to characteristic cured-meat flavor.

Why it's flagged

Mostly naturally occurring in vegetables (spinach, beets, celery). Curing-context use is captured in `en:e251`/`en:sodium-nitrate`.
IARC Group 2A: probably carcinogenic to humans under conditions of endogenous nitrosation
Linked to colorectal cancer risk in processed-meat consumption

What regulators actually say

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Regulatory status

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