In the food industry, sodium nitrate is primarily used as a preservative and curing agent. It prevents the growth of harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a potentially fatal condition. Sodium nitrate is also used in fertilizers to provide plants with essential nutrients like nitrogen, promoting healthy growth. In the manufacturing sector, it is employed in the production of explosives and pyrotechnics, thanks to its oxidizing properties.
