Acceptable Amount of Sodium Nitrite in a Meal

Sodium nitrite is a preservative added to certain meats, which helps preserve the color and flavor. Nitrites also prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes botulism.

Dietary Sodium

• Fruit are typically very low in sodium.

  Too much sodium has been connected with high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease. The United States National Institute of Health states that 2,300 mg of sodium per day is the limit for healthy adults. Those at risk for high blood pressure should consume fewer than 1,500 mg per day.

Appearance

• Cured ham contains large amounts of sodium nitrite.

  Sodium nitrite must be listed on nutrition labels as an ingredient and count as part of the sodium content. Most commonly, sodium nitrite is found in cured pork products such as hot dogs, sliced ham, and cured ham.

Controlling Intake

• Canned soup usually contains large amounts of sodium.

  The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating more fresh food and less processed food to cut down on sodium intake. Foods that are especially high in sodium include pork products, salty chips, canned meals, many soups, pickled foods, and frozen foods.