E250
E250: Sodium nitrite
High concernFunction: preservative
What is E250?
E250 (Sodium nitrite) is a preservative used in processed foods.
What the research says
Used to cure meat. It can form nitrosamines, and the WHO's cancer agency (IARC) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
Regulatory status
| European Union | Approved |
|---|---|
| United States | Approved |
Questions people ask
Is E250 (Sodium nitrite) safe?
Used to cure meat. It can form nitrosamines, and the WHO's cancer agency (IARC) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
Why is E250 added to food?
It is used as a preservative.
Does E250 make a food ultra-processed?
Not on its own. E250 is not one of the cosmetic additives the NOVA system uses to identify ultra-processed foods.