Nitrate labeling debate

Sodium nitrite is used as a food ingredient to prevent botulism. OEHHA's decision was hailed as a "victory for sound science and common sense" by GMA, which had argued strenuously for removing the chemical from a group of substances under review. Sodium nitrite is approved by FDA as a food additive and is a critical ingredient in cured meats. Until now, OEHHA had simply relied on data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory which, GMA noted, does not meet the state agency's accepted scientific standards that govern the listing of developmental toxicants.