Phasing Out Added Nitrites to Protect Public Health
​The Problem
Every day, roughly 20,000,000 Americans eat processed meat cured with added nitrites. Regular consumption of these products can increase the risk of cancer and other serious health conditions.
What are nitrites?
Nitrites are chemical preservatives often added to processed meats to extend shelf life, prevent harmful bacterial growth, and enhance color, flavor, and texture.
The Evidence
The health risks of consuming nitrites.
Colorectal Cancer
Daily consumption of processed meat—including nitrite-cured products—increases colorectal cancer risk by up to 18%.
Source: World Health Organization, 2015
Stomach Cancer
High consumption of nitrites has been associated with a 17% increased risk of stomach cancer.
Source: Ghasemi et al., 2024
Blood Oxygen Issues
Nitrites can interfere with blood's ability to carry oxygen, which can be especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women.
Hypertension
High intake of processed meats containing nitrites has been linked to a 19% higher risk of high blood pressure.
Source: Srour et al., 2022
Type 2 Diabetes
Consuming large amounts of nitrite additives has been associated with a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Source: Srour et al., 2023
Mania
Eating meats cured with nitrite has been linked to a 3.5 times higher chance of having a manic episode.
Source: Khambadkone et al., 2018
Our Priorities
Five critical changes to phase out the use of added nitrites.
Ban Hidden Nitrites in "Natural" Labels
Close the USDA loophole that lets companies use "celery powder" or "natural curing agents" to hide synthetic nitrites.
Require Cancer Risk Warning Labels
Mandate that all nitrite-cured processed meats carry a clear, front-of-package cancer risk warning label.
Advance Research on Alternatives to Nitrites
Support viable commercial alternatives to nitrites and foods that can be substitutes for processed meats.
Remove Nitrites from School Lunches
Eliminate nitrite-cured processed meats from state and federal school meal programs.
Add Nitrite-Free National Dietary Standards
Incorporate nitrite-free dietary guidance into federal nutrition frameworks.
Medical Expert Perspective
"Given the well-documented associations with elevated cancer risk and other adverse health outcomes, food manufacturers should eliminate nitrites from processed meats to reduce preventable harm and protect public health."​
Michael J. Martin, MD, MPH, MBA
Internal and Preventive Medicine Physician
