Question

Nitrites are added to foods to: (may be more than one answer)

a. inhibit rancidity.
b. preserve their color.
c. improve their nutritive value.

Answer 1

Nitrites are added to processed meats to maintain color and prevent bacterial growth that can cause food poisoning.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nitrites are added to processed meats to maintain their color and prevent the germination of Clostridium botulinum endospores. Nitrites are reduced to nitric oxide, which reacts with heme groups and iron-sulfur groups in meat. This reaction forms a red product that gives meat its red color. Additionally, nitrites help preserve the freshness of meats by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.