The main thing you have to watch out for in processed meat is sodium nitrate/nitrite in addition too preserving meat it is used in fertilizers, pyrotechnics, solid rocket propellants, and glass and pottery enamels, among others. It it also a proven cancer causer. I is included in nearly all processed meat. One nationwide brand that I know that doesnt use it is "hormel" look for the red carboard containers, its naturally preserved in salt. Just soak it in water for a few hours, and presto no more sodium content.