Danger at the Deli
Tell USDA to end confusing labels

Consumer Reports new testing has found that ‘uncured’ deli meats contain similar levels of potentially cancer-causing nitrites and nitrates as ‘cured’ meats, making these labels virtually useless for consumers who want to eat healthier.

It’s time the USDA catches up with the science and ends the use of misleading ‘uncured’ and ‘No Nitrates or Nitrites Added’ labels in deli meats, hot dogs and other processed meat. Sign our petition to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and let’s get confusing food labels off the market!

Dear USDA Secretary Perdue,

The USDA should abolish the ‘uncured’ and ‘no nitrates or nitrites added’ labels on deli meat, hot dogs and other processed meat that is cured with nitrates and nitrites that comes from celery or other non-synthetic sources. Consumer Reports’ new testing reveals that ‘uncured’ or ‘no nitrates or nitrites added’ deli meats have similar levels of potentially cancer-causing nitrites and nitrates as ‘cured’ meats, making this labeling virtually useless. Please end the confusion for consumers by abolishing these misleading labels!

Sign the Petition

By submitting this form, I agree to the terms of Consumer Reports' Privacy Policy and User Agreement.

Consumer Reports new testing has found that ‘uncured’ deli meats contain similar levels of potentially cancer-causing nitrites and nitrates as ‘cured’ meats, making these labels virtually useless for consumers who want to eat healthier.

It’s time the USDA catches up with the science and ends the use of misleading ‘uncured’ and ‘No Nitrates or Nitrites Added’ labels in deli meats, hot dogs and other processed meat. Sign our petition to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and let’s get confusing food labels off the market!

Dear USDA Secretary Perdue,

The USDA should abolish the ‘uncured’ and ‘no nitrates or nitrites added’ labels on deli meat, hot dogs and other processed meat that is cured with nitrates and nitrites that comes from celery or other non-synthetic sources. Consumer Reports’ new testing reveals that ‘uncured’ or ‘no nitrates or nitrites added’ deli meats have similar levels of potentially cancer-causing nitrites and nitrates as ‘cured’ meats, making this labeling virtually useless. Please end the confusion for consumers by abolishing these misleading labels!