Objective To investigate the nitrite content in cooked meat in Henan Province.Methods Cooked meat samples were collected from 18 cities in 2010,and 361 cooked meat samples in 14 groups were analyzed according to GB/T 5009.33.Results The average nitrite content in cooked meat was 54.46 mg/kg,and its unqualified rate was 25.5%.The unqualified rate of nitrite in cooked beef was the highest(42.0%) and that in cooked pork,chicken and mutton was 27.8%,10.2% and 9.5% respectively.Conclusion Nitrite residues in cooked meat exceeded the standard limit seriously in Henan Province.Measures should be taken to safeguard the health of consumers in general.