Methemoglobinemia from Eating Meat with High Nitrite Content

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An out-break of 10 cases of methemoglobinemia resulting from the ingestion of weiners and bologna containing large amounts of nitrite is reported. Symptoms appeared 2-6 hours after ingestion of the products and included speech disturbance, profuse sweating, vomiting and cyanosis. All cases responded rapidly to treatment with methylene blue. Investigations failed to reveal how the additives were applied to the meat products to result in the excessive concentrations of nitrite. This incident emphasizes the need for effective inspectional services in all meat packing plants.