The most important function of nitrites in processed food is to a prevent browning. b inhibit germination of Clostridium botulinum. c prevent carcinogen formation. d make the food more acidic.

Nitrite is used in meat curing, which is produced commercially as sodium nitriteand it is has been responsible for the preservation and characteristic color/ flavor of the cured meats. Cured meat products contain curing salts, usually salt (sodium chloride) and either nitrites or nitrates. The function of nitrite in processed meat is : (1) to stabilize the color of the lean tissues. Sodium nitrite, is most commonly used for curing (although in some products such as fermented ones, sodium nitrate is used too, because of the long aging period); pocessed meats like as bacon, ham, sausages etc.

These compounds help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. add a salty flavor. Clostridium botulinum produces heat-resistant endospores that are commonly that are able to survive under adverse conditions. Clostridium botulinum is commonly associated with bulging canned food; bulging, misshapen cans are due to an internal increase in pressure caused by gas produced by this bacteria.