Sodium and Preservatives
Sodium can serve several purposes in processed foods, including helping with preservation, curing, flavor and moisture retention. The FDA notes that sodium levels can vary considerably between similar products, making the Nutrition Facts label especially useful when comparing options.
Preservatives can also have legitimate functions. They may slow spoilage, help maintain freshness or prevent changes in flavor and texture. Food additives are regulated for their intended uses, and manufacturers generally have responsibilities for ensuring the safety and regulatory status of ingredients used in their products.
What About Mechanically Separated Meat?
Another term consumers may encounter is mechanically separated meat. USDA describes it as a product made by forcing bones with attached edible tissue through a sieve or similar device under pressure to separate the tissue from the bone.
It is not automatically synonymous with unsafe food. Different types of mechanically separated meat have different regulatory requirements, and products containing mechanically separated pork or poultry must be identified accordingly on the ingredient statement.
The important lesson is to avoid judging a product solely by a frightening-sounding word. Instead, understand what the term means and check how it appears on the label.
