what are nitrates in food
These foods may contain added chemicals you should know about: nitrates and nitrites. Manufacturers add nitrates and nitrites to foods such as cured sandwich meats, bacon, salami or sausages to give them color and to prolong their shelf life. In addition to lunchmeat, some canned beans and vegetables with bacon, and even packaged seafood, may contain these added chemicals. 2  Eat organic food. 3  Synthetic nitrates and nitrites are not allowed as preservatives in organic packaged foods and meats.