Nitrates and nitrites as food additives, their uses and dangers; a consumer analysis.

Abstract

The following study examines conflictive information available to the public relating to the benefits and dangers of human consumption of the food additives nitrates and nitrites. These additives are presently used in most luncheon meats, a much utilized food item in the American diet. Current periodicals, books, and personal communications were searched in order to determine the opinions of government, industry, and independent scientists in regards to the valid uses and health risks of ingesting these two additives. This paper is not meant to be a purely scientific literature search. It is an interdisciplinary consumer's analysis of the health, political, and economic problems of retaining versus removing the additives from meat and meat products. It is not written in a highly technical manner, and many scientific terms relating to the subject are defined in terminology that helps the average consumer better understand the issues involved. Recommendations for alternative ways to reduce or eliminate one's nitrate and nitrite intake are listed at the end of the paper.