USDA-FSIS Temporarily Allowing Use of Natural Sodium Nitrate for Curing Meats
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has announced that it is making temporary allowances for the use of sodium nitrite derived from natural sources, in an effort to address shortages of synthetic sodium nitrite used to cure meat and poultry products.
As a result of establishments subject to federal inspection experiencing supply chain shortages of synthetic sodium nitrite used to cure meat and poultry products, establishments and other stakeholders have expressed interest in substituting a portion of synthetic sodium nitrite with sodium nitrite derived from natural sources. Establishments interested in using the substitution may submit for temporary label approval under 9 CFR 412.1(f). FSIS will evaluate requests for substitution on a case-by-case basis under its prior label approval system. Long-term use of natural sources of nitrite as curing agents will be addressed through future rulemaking efforts.