[batbomb]

For processed (cured) meats, they must assuredly mean sodium nitrite (which sodium nitrate turns in to) and/or salt is known carcinogens. In which case, it should be "sodium nitrite known to cause cancer".

Also, people should know that even "no nitrates/nitrites added" doesn't mean devoid of nitrates or nitrites, because most companies add tons of celery salt, and, for the most part, you end up with an equivalent amount of sodium nitrite in your processed/cured meats.

http://ruhlman.com/2011/05/the-no-nitrites-added-hoax/

[johansch]

The term "processed food" seems so overloaded that it's largely pointless.

Nevertheless, this page seems to explain its popular usage well, while adding some much needed sanity:

http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/what-are-processed...