E251
E251: Sodium nitrate
High concernFunction: preservative
What is E251?
E251 (Sodium nitrate) is a preservative used in processed foods.
What the research says
Converted to nitrite in the body and in cured meat. 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 E251 (Sodium nitrate) safe?
Converted to nitrite in the body and in cured meat. 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 E251 added to food?
It is used as a preservative.
Does E251 make a food ultra-processed?
Not on its own. E251 is not one of the cosmetic additives the NOVA system uses to identify ultra-processed foods.