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Typical source

Mineral

Plain-language explanation

Sodium nitrate is a salt commonly used as a preservative and color fixative in cured meats like bacon and ham. It is typically produced synthetically from ammonia or mined from natural mineral deposits, which are generally considered halal. However, its halal status can be doubtful when used in pork products or other non-halal meats, as it makes the entire item haram. Most major certification bodies consider it halal if the source is synthetic or mineral and the final food product is halal.