That's because sodium helps preserve deli meats to extend their shelf life (and for those who are curious, there's a difference between salt and sodium). As explained by the American Heart ...

Deli meat’s two biggest selling points — its ... But, for reasons that have yet to be explained, the Boar’s Head Jarratt plant never received even an NOIE prior to the listeria outbreak ...

Recalls of animal-based deli meat tainted with listeria may give plant-based alternatives with clean labels and a lower risk of foodborne illnesses an opportunity to shine.