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Ingredient · Preservative

nitrates

Mixed · 4/10, higher is cleaner

How we reached this

Sodium/potassium nitrate (E251/E252) — cured meat preservative. **WHO IARC 2018 reaffirmed Group 2A (probably carcinogenic) classification** for processed-meat nitrate-curing context (nitrosamines form during cooking + digestion). FDA + USDA regulate use limits. The category itself includes naturally-occurring vegetable nitrates which behave differently (not cooked at high heat with proteins).

Sources · 1

Products containing this · 2

About this rating

Ratings run 1–10, higher is cleaner, and are set editorially against the sources above — see the methodology page for how an ingredient rating becomes part of a product score. Last reviewed 2026-05-25.