![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QLK3G23JVJEJNMF3HARWOZJTYU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2967b93080ac61934d22c88e76138164af6978e07b935ee04c93c8b00dfab4cf&width=400&height=225)
Although nitrates have been removed by the smoking process of many brands, some smoked salmon still contains high levels of sodium nitrates. Photo: Boa
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YIGSP6L4S7WMBQWTE37MEOLF2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=cf328d27371fdbf68ed27c82ccb48a3dd5978cb80a7945754d05539602187241&width=400&height=225)
An average hot dog sausage contains about 50 micrograms of nitrates per 100g of meat. Photo: AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MOGF25OYHDRFO4PAMI5IVEZ4VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d750e03d44bc273a47b659947ccd80bf85a70becc935b229decb33c97ce22215&width=400&height=225)
Bacon is incredibly high in both nitrites and nitrates, with up to 380 mcg of nitrates per five rashers. Photo: AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/23KSYO32YFEOEWU3U6XDRJ5QD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=9931e962b42508753944a0b43c739551953120c246316dbfc5316c28fad7eb97&width=400&height=225)
Deli meats such as salami, pastrami and prosciutto are a major source of harmful nitrates. Photo: Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QLK3G23JVJEJNMF3HARWOZJTYU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2967b93080ac61934d22c88e76138164af6978e07b935ee04c93c8b00dfab4cf&width=400&height=225)
Although nitrates have been removed by the smoking process of many brands, some smoked salmon still contains high levels of sodium nitrates. Photo: Boa
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YIGSP6L4S7WMBQWTE37MEOLF2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=cf328d27371fdbf68ed27c82ccb48a3dd5978cb80a7945754d05539602187241&width=400&height=225)
An average hot dog sausage contains about 50 micrograms of nitrates per 100g of meat. Photo: AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MOGF25OYHDRFO4PAMI5IVEZ4VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d750e03d44bc273a47b659947ccd80bf85a70becc935b229decb33c97ce22215&width=400&height=225)
Bacon is incredibly high in both nitrites and nitrates, with up to 380 mcg of nitrates per five rashers. Photo: AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/23KSYO32YFEOEWU3U6XDRJ5QD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=9931e962b42508753944a0b43c739551953120c246316dbfc5316c28fad7eb97&width=400&height=225)
Deli meats such as salami, pastrami and prosciutto are a major source of harmful nitrates. Photo: Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QLK3G23JVJEJNMF3HARWOZJTYU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2967b93080ac61934d22c88e76138164af6978e07b935ee04c93c8b00dfab4cf&width=400&height=225)
Although nitrates have been removed by the smoking process of many brands, some smoked salmon still contains high levels of sodium nitrates. Photo: Boa
Nitrates, the hidden ingredient in processed foods that can increase risk of cancer
As France cuts the additive on health grounds, doctors say consumers should limit their intake but not cut it altogether
![Nick Webster](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F9cfba7f3-8cc8-4789-bcec-97bd0007d9ef.png?smart=true&auth=96a9a5766af20e4704e52306e74ecd02669a7e0ffd084d4151d31e0039a945d3&width=70&height=70)
Nick Webster
18 August, 2022
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic