Nitrates And Nitrites Essay

Sodium Nitrates and Nitrites, are two of the most common food additives in America. Nitrites are compounds consisting of one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms, while nitrates contain one nitrogen atom, and 3 oxygen atoms. These additives are most commonly used in processed meat products in order to increase shelf life and give these processed meats their distinctive red color and flavor. (UK Food Guide) Nitrates, and Nitrites are in meats such as ham, bacon, corned beef, etc. These additives stop the growth of bacterial spores that cause botulism, one of the deadliest foodborne illnesses. However, what is not always known is that these additives have been proven to be carcinogenic, meaning that consumption of too much of these kinds of processed

For instance, how can companies who know their products are linked to cancer, still produce carcinogenic materials; what are the moral implications? The Food and Drug Administration, has set guidelines, that limit the amount of nitrites that can be used in foods, and with the help of these guidelines food companies, have begun using less sodium nitrates, and nitrites. (Food Network) However, the moral question stems farther than just creating guidelines for the adding of sodium nitrates. If the FDA allows, the use of sodium nitrates, and nitrites, in some way they are allowing Americans to get cancer, they are allowing companies to put carcinogenic materials in their products, and while the FDA doesn’t admit to allowing the use of carcinogenic material, the studies above prove, that when sodium nitrates are used in meats, they can lead to the formation of cancer. Another factor, of the usage of Sodium Nitrates, is the economic implications. Using preservatives, save companies billions of dollars in production every year. The longer the food stays fresh, the longer companies can use the, meaning that they don’t have to produce as many