Is Sodium Nitrate Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Sodium Nitrate is restricted in European Union (maximum permitted levels), United Kingdom, Australia, though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Sodium Nitrate on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Dry-cured salami, Prosciutto, Dry-cured ham.
TL;DR: Sodium Nitrate is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Sodium Nitrate: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| Where it shows up | Dry-cured salami, Prosciutto, Dry-cured ham, Pepperoni (some varieties), Some artisan charcuterie, Certain smoked meats |
What is Sodium Nitrate?
Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is a naturally occurring salt found in soil and some plants, and also synthetically produced for use as a food preservative and curing agent. It is converted to sodium nitrite by bacterial action in foods or in the body, where it exerts its preservative and curing effects. Sometimes called 'Chile saltpeter' after its natural South American ore source.
Why is Sodium Nitrate used in food?
Sodium nitrate serves as a slow-release source of nitrite in long-cured meats like dry-cured salami, prosciutto, and some dry-cured hams. As bacteria in the meat slowly convert nitrate to nitrite, a steady supply of nitrite preserves the meat and develops flavor over long curing periods. It is also used in some charcuterie and artisan meat products.
What regulators have flagged about Sodium Nitrate
Sodium nitrate shares the same health concerns as sodium nitrite: conversion to nitrosamines is the primary mechanism of concern. Sodium nitrate is converted to nitrite by bacterial reduction in foods and by nitrate-reducing bacteria in saliva before reaching the stomach. The subsequent conversion of nitrite to nitrosamines carries the same carcinogenicity concerns described for sodium nitrite. IARC's 2015 classification of processed meat as Group 1 human carcinogen applies to all nitrite/nitrate-cured processed meats. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation established acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for nitrate (3.7 mg/kg body weight/day) and nitrite (0.07 mg/kg body weight/day) based on risk assessment. A notable paradox in nitrate nutrition: dietary nitrate from vegetables (particularly leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce, and root vegetables like beets) is associated with cardioprotective effects through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, where nitric oxide from dietary nitrate improves vascular function and reduces blood pressure. This beneficial effect of vegetable nitrate contrasts with the potential harm from processed meat nitrate/nitrite, suggesting that the food matrix and associated compounds (antioxidants in vegetables vs. amines in meat protein) significantly influence whether nitrite produces beneficial or harmful effects. Infant exposure to high nitrate levels — particularly from well water — can cause methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). The EU and WHO set strict nitrate limits for infant water and food for this reason.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Nitrate with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Sodium Nitrate →
Audited products that don't contain Sodium Nitrate.
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Sodium Nitrate and pregnancy: common questions
Is Sodium Nitrate banned anywhere?
Yes. Sodium Nitrate is restricted in European Union (maximum permitted levels), United Kingdom, Australia. The FDA still allows it in the US.
Should I avoid Sodium Nitrate during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Sodium Nitrate?
Commonly found in Dry-cured salami, Prosciutto, Dry-cured ham, Pepperoni (some varieties), Some artisan charcuterie, Certain smoked meats. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Sodium Nitrate.
What can I use instead of Sodium Nitrate?
Same as sodium nitrite: celery extract or natural celery-based curing (though these still produce nitrite), high-pressure processing (HPP), and natural antimicrobial packaging for lower-risk products. Fermented products with lactic acid bac See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium Nitrate or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
Sources
- IARC: Processed Meat Group 1 Carcinogen 2015 — IARC/WHO
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on Nitrates and Nitrites in Food 2017 — EFSA
- NIH: Nitrate and Nitrite in Food and Cardiovascular Disease — PubMed/NIH
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.