CNA’s Talking Point sent nine “clean‑label” products – three hams, three bacons and three sausages – to a laboratory. The analysis found nitrite in two of the hams and in one of the sausages, proving that the label does not always match the chemistry.

One of the tested hams, and a pork wiener both labelled “no nitrite added”, actually contained more nitrite than a regular ham that was used for comparison. This shows that “no added nitrite” does not automatically mean lower nitrite levels.

Chew Chon Mun, who teaches food legislation at Singapore Polytechnic, explained that “no added nitrite” means manufacturers did not intentionally add nitrite during production. However, natural nitrates present in ingredients – such as celery powder or other plant extracts – can convert into nitrite during processing or storage.

The Singapore Food Agency confirmed to Talking Point that manufacturers are not required to list nitrates or nitrites on the label if they were not deliberately added as additives, as long as the information is not false or misleading.

Despite the presence of nitrite in some “clean‑label” items, none of the nine products exceeded Singapore’s legal limit of 125 mg/kg for sodium nitrite. The highest concentration recorded was 41.6 mg/kg, well below the safety threshold.

Takeaway: A “no nitrite added” claim only means nitrite wasn’t deliberately added; natural nitrates can still turn into nitrite, so consumers should be aware that such products may still contain measurable nitrite levels.