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I found some chicken jerky in the store that does not contain nitrites/nitrates or celery extract. Is it safe that way? Is it because it is dried? Thank you!

These are the ingredients from their website:

INGREDIENTS: CHICKEN BREAST, BROWN SUGAR, SUGAR, CHICKEN BROTH, FLAVORINGS, LESS THAN 2% SALT, SUN-DRIED TOMATO, GLYCERIN, FRUCTOSE, YEAST EXTRACT, BROMELAIN (FROM PINEAPPLES), ORANGE JUICE POWDER(CORN SYRUP, ORANGE JUICE SOLIDS), WATER, CITRIC ACID.

And the pork one:

INGREDIENTS: PORK, SUGAR, WATER, LESS THAN 2% SALT, SOY SAUCE [(WHEAT, SOYBEANS, SALT), MALTODEXTRIN], FLAVORING, SESAME SEEDS, YEAST EXTRACT, SESAME OIL

padma
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  • Can you include a photo of the nutrition label (with the ingredients list)? That will help us explain what's likely giving it shelf stability. – Catija Jan 24 '16 at 23:20
  • Please use the edit button on the question to add this information to the body of the question rather than as a comment. – Catija Jan 24 '16 at 23:33
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    "Flavorings" is likely to include celery, which is a source of nitrates. Celery is a common home kitchen nitrate ingredient which is why it's in so many recipes where celery isn't really a star ingredient. – Escoce Jan 25 '16 at 01:01

1 Answers1

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Yes, your nitrite-free jerky is safe to eat. Nitrites are only one possible method of preservation, along with smoking and salting the food.

Debbie M.
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vicelaine
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    Welcome Victoria - I removed the health claim from your answer because it is specifically off topic for this site. – Debbie M. Mar 23 '16 at 16:03