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Inorganics
Nitrite
Nitrites are food additives commonly used as preservatives and color fixatives in processed meats. They help prevent bacterial growth, especially Clostridium botulinum, but can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines under certain conditions.
Tracked contaminantUpdated Nov 28, 2023
Health score-2.0
-5Poor5
Water guidelines
- Legal limit
- 10 mg/L
- Health guideline
- 0.14 mg/L
Food and supplement guidelines
- Legal limit
- Not specified
- Health guideline
- Not specified
Risks
Potential formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, possible association with increased cancer risk, may cause methemoglobinemia in infants at high exposure
Benefits
Prevents growth of harmful bacteria in processed meats, extends shelf life, maintains meat color and flavor
Waters containing Nitrite
6 matches