Is High Quality Cooked Ham Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Citterio
Citterio's High Quality Cooked Ham is reviewed here as a meat product. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Sodium Nitrite.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium nitrite (E250) as a preservative and ascorbic acid (E301) as an antioxidant. These additives raise concerns about synthetic preservatives in processed meats.
Main concern
Sodium nitrite (E250) is a synthetic preservative linked to health concerns.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains natural flavors which may enhance the overall taste profile.
- Ascorbic acid (E301) serves as an antioxidant, helping to maintain freshness.
- Natural meat source provides a traditional flavor characteristic of high-quality ham.
Concerns
- Sodium nitrite (E250) is a synthetic preservative linked to health concerns.
- Dextrose and sugar are added, indicating some level of processing.
- Presence of natural flavors may mask the quality of the meat.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people avoiding animal-derived ingredients
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this meat product, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Pork Meat safe in this meat product?
Good
Pork Meat is used here as base. Pork meat is the primary ingredient, providing the main source of protein and flavor in this product.
Role in formula: base
Original: carne suina (origine: UE)
-
Is Salt safe in this meat product?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used for flavor enhancement and preservation, essential in cured meats.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: sale
-
Is Dextrose safe in this meat product?
Medium
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar that may enhance flavor but indicates some processing.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: destrosio
-
Is Sugar safe in this meat product?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for flavor balance, contributing to the overall taste but raises processing concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: zucchero
-
Is Natural Flavors safe in this meat product?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are included to enhance taste but can obscure the quality of the meat.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: aromi naturali
-
Is Sodium Ascorbate safe in this meat product?
Good
Sodium Ascorbate is used here as antioxidant. Sodium ascorbate (E301) is an antioxidant that helps maintain freshness and color in the meat.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: antiossidante (E301)
-
Is Sodium Nitrite safe in this meat product?
Bad
Sodium Nitrite is used here as preservative. Sodium nitrite (E250) is a synthetic preservative used to prevent spoilage but is associated with health risks.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: conservante (E250)
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4132766
More from this brand: Citterio products in Zerotox
Similar products: meat_product in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.