Ingested nitrate and nitrite and stomach cancer risk: An updated review

► Comprehensive review of the biochemistry, toxicology and epidemiology of nitrite and nitrate. ► Discusses new paradigm of nitrosation as a fundamental nitric oxide mediated cell signaling pathway. ► Reviews up to date animal toxicology and epidemiological data to dispute some original findings. ► The emergence of new data on nitrite and nitrate warrant a reconsideration of its safety profile.