Answer
The function of sodium nitrite, NaNO$_{2}$, as a food additive is two-fold:
(1) it inhibits the oxidation of the blood, preventing the discoloring of red meat, and
(2) it prevents the growth of botulism bacteria. There is now some controversy regarding this food additive because nitrites are suspected of combining with amines under the acidic conditions of the stomach to produce carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Work Step by Step
The function of sodium nitrite, NaNO$_{2}$, as a food additive is two-fold:
(1) it inhibits the oxidation of the blood, preventing the discoloring of red meat, and
(2) it prevents the growth of botulism bacteria. There is now some controversy regarding this food additive because nitrites are suspected of combining with amines under the acidic conditions of the stomach to produce carcinogenic nitrosamines.
