Does Turkey Contain Nitrates? The Truth About Nitrates in Turkey

A. Fang Fang Zhang, PhD, an associate professor at the Friedman School who studies cancer epidemiology, says, “Processed meat is any meat that has been salted, cured, fermented, smoked, or gone through other processes to keep it fresh or make it taste better.” The World Health Organization has called processed meat a carcinogen, which means it causes cancer.

“Processed meats can be either red or white. Fried chicken, hot dogs, sausages, ham, bacon, and jerky are all examples of processed red meats.” Even sliced turkey that has been “oven roasted” is likely to have ingredients like salt, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, or potassium chloride on the label. These are used to salt meats—meaning the turkey is processed. There’s no way for researchers to know if processed chicken is safer than processed beef, so it makes sense to limit or avoid both.

“Experts believe that the nitrates used to cure meat may be part of the link between processed meats and cancer.” (Nitrates can be converted in the body to nitrites, which in turn can become potentially cancer-causing nitrosamines. ) But the ‘no nitrates added’ label is misleading. Because people were worried about nitrates, many companies switched from using artificial sodium nitrite to celery powder, celery juice, or other natural sources. Sad to say, meats cured with these natural alternatives have the same amount of nitrate and nitrite as meats that are cured the old-fashioned way, and they probably pose the same health risks. ”.

Turkey is often promoted as a healthier protein choice compared to red meats like beef and pork. But many people wonder – does turkey contain nitrates? The truth is, both natural and added nitrates can be found in turkey products While nitrates occur naturally in vegetables and some meats, there are concerns about the nitrates added during processing of deli turkey and other products. This article provides an in-depth look at the nitrate content in different types of turkey and how to choose wisely.

Naturally Occurring Nitrates in Turkey

Nitrates occur naturally in vegetables, drinking water, and some cuts of meat When present naturally, nitrates are generally not a health concern

Turkey, like chicken and other meats contains small amounts of nitrates from its natural diet and metabolism. The quantity can vary based on factors like the turkey’s age breed, and diet. While nitrates are present, the levels are usually minimal in fresh, unprocessed cuts like turkey breast.

Added Nitrates in Processed Turkey

While fresh turkey contains nitrates naturally, processed turkey products often have additional nitrates added during manufacturing. These added nitrates serve as preservatives and color-retaining agents in processed meats.

Common turkey products with added nitrates include:

  • Deli turkey – sliced, packaged turkey found pre-sliced at the deli counter or in plastic containers. Nitrates help extend shelf life.

  • Turkey bacon – cured and smoked like regular pork bacon. Nitrates retain the pink color.

  • Hot dogs – turkey hot dogs contain added nitrates like other hot dogs.

  • Lunch meats – pre-packaged sandwiches and lunch kits often contain turkey cured with nitrates.

  • Smoked turkey – smoked turkey breast or other cured turkey products use nitrates.

  • Frozen turkey burgers – contain nitrates as preservatives.

  • Canned turkey – canned turkey meat often contains added nitrates.

Health Concerns with Nitrates in Processed Meats

While nitrates from vegetables are generally harmless, studies link health risks to frequent ingestion of meat products preserved with nitrate salts.

Potential concerns include:

  • Cancer – Nitrates can convert to cancer-causing nitrosamines in the body. Studies link processed meats high in nitrates to increased colorectal cancer risk.

  • Thyroid issues – High nitrate levels may impact thyroid function leading to development of goiter (enlarged thyroid).

  • Methemoglobinemia – Rare condition reducing oxygen transport in infants when excess nitrates are consumed.

  • Cholesterol – Processed meats like deli turkey often contain LDL cholesterol, unlike fresh poultry.

Choosing Nitrate-Free Turkey

To avoid concerns related to added nitrates, choose fresh, unprocessed turkey whenever possible. Here are some tips for finding turkey without added nitrates:

  • Check labels for “no nitrates added” or “uncured turkey”

  • Choose plain, fresh turkey breast instead of processed deli meats

  • Avoid smoked turkey and pre-packaged lunch turkey

  • Look for nitrate-free turkey bacon or turkey hot dogs

  • Check ingredients for “celery juice” or “celery powder” which often indicates nitrates

  • Opt for freshly roasted turkey instead of cured or processed

While fresh turkey contains naturally occurring nitrates, large quantities of added nitrates in processed turkey meats may pose health risks. Choosing nitrate-free options when possible allows you to enjoy the benefits of turkey without exposure to excessive additives.

So be sure to check labels and ingredients lists closely to determine if any nitrates have been added during processing. With a little extra care when shopping, you can indeed find turkey free of concerning chemical additives.

does turkey have nitrates

Are Deli Meat Labels Misleading You? Here Are the Facts | Oz Health

FAQ

Does turkey have nitrates in it?

Turkey and chicken are often recommended as healthy alternatives to red meat. But if they are preserved, they count as processed meats and are harmful. Roasted chicken and roasted turkey in deli meat packets or at the deli counter have likely had nitrates added. Turkey bacon does, too.

Does boar’s head turkey have nitrates in it?

As part of the Boar’s Head All Natural* Collection, the turkey used is humanely raised** with no added hormones or antibioticsꝉ, and there are no added nitrites or nitrates‡. *No artificial ingredients, minimally processed.

Are there nitrates in deli meat?

Bacon. A 100-gram serving of bacon has 5.5 milligrams of nitrates. Deli meat. Deli meat is another major source of harmful nitrates. Cured deli meats on average have less than half a milligram of nitrates per 100 grams of meat.

Are boar’s head turkey slices nitrate free?

Not only that, but these turkey slices avoid the use of sodium phosphates, nitrates, and nitrites and use only celery powder, potato starch, salt, and sugar as preservatives. Boar’s Head offers a variety of nitrite-and-nitrate-free products and even offers a handful of healthy deli meats that are lower in sodium, too.

What foods contain nitrates?

Nitrates are molecules naturally found in air, soil, water, and some foods. These foods they are naturally found in are green vegetables (such as lettuce, spinach, and broccoli) as well as root vegetables (such as carrots and beetroot). But nitrates are also added to some foods, especially cured meats, such as deli meat and bacon.

Are there nitrates in processed meat?

Nitrates are also found naturally in a number of foods, including celery, beets, arugula, and other vegetables. “It is common nowadays to find the statement ‘no added nitrates’ on processed meat products,” says Mason. “In most instances, these products are manufactured using celery juice or other natural sources of nitrates.

How do you reduce nitrates in food?

Eliminate or reduce intake of processed meats, including bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs, and jerky, even if they say, no added nitrates. -Reduce sodium (in processed foods and added in cooking or at the table) to less than 2,300 milligrams (the equivalent of about one teaspoon) a day. -Limit deli meats and look for lower-sodium versions.

Should meat be labeled ‘uncured’ or ‘nitrate-free’?

But the USDA decided that because the source of the compounds differed, meats made with them must be labeled “uncured” and “no nitrates or nitrites added,” Sebranek says, “even though everyone in the meat industry realizes it’s not technically correct.”

Leave a Comment