Nitrite in Meat

2 pages.This archival publication may not reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information available from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://www.extension.umn.edu.This fact sheet explains why nitrite is used in meat products, what nitrite does in meat, how much nitrite can be legally used, the toxicity of nitrite, the presence of nitrosamines in some cured meats, and the federal agencies that control nitrite usage.University of Minnesota Extension Service