E252
E252: Potassium nitrate
High concernFunction: preservative
What is E252?
E252 (Potassium 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 E252 (Potassium 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 E252 added to food?
It is used as a preservative.
Does E252 make a food ultra-processed?
Not on its own. E252 is not one of the cosmetic additives the NOVA system uses to identify ultra-processed foods.