Thanks Pops, I agree, used properly, both TQ & Cure #1 are very good cures.
SolarYellow,
The Email from USDA is copied & pasted word for word.
The words I reported from Morton Salt were over the phone.
You are allowed to call them, or email them yourself.
I am quite satisfied with the answers I got from them.
The USDA has different policies for commercial processors, but allows them to use nitrates in everything except food for babies, toddlers, and Bacon.
They do not report any problem with Tender Quick (that I can find).
If TQ was bad, Morton Salt could not sell it. If it was anything like cigarettes, they would have to put on the outside of the pack, "Caution, using Tender Quick could be Hazardous to your health".
Let us know what they tell you,
Bear
I am not questioning what you posted Bear. The context of it for some reason isn't sinking in with my pea brain today. I would have hoped there was more information and thought maybe you had posted a summary. Thanks for responding.