E249 · Potassium nitrite
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Use caution
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Safe in moderation
What is E249?
Potassium nitrite is a curing agent and preservative used in processed meats like bacon, ham, and sausages. Its main food-safety role is inhibiting the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism, and it also helps cured meats keep their characteristic pink color. When heated to high temperatures, nitrites can react with proteins to form nitrosamines, compounds linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption, which is why regulators cap how much can be added. It is not typically used outside meat curing in food applications.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium nitrite, KNO2, Food grade potassium nitrite, E249, E 249, E-249, INS 249, Potassium(I) nitrite, Potassium nitrite powder, Potassium nitrite solution, Additivo alimentare E249, Additif alimentaire E249.
What the evidence says
- Effectively prevents Clostridium botulinum growth in cured meats, a key food-safety benefit.
- Can combine with amines during high-heat cooking (e.g., frying bacon) to form nitrosamines, some of which are probable human carcinogens; the WHO/IARC classifies processed meat containing nitrites as carcinogenic (Group 1) based partly on this pathway.
- High intake can reduce the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity (methemoglobinemia), a particular risk for infants.
Research behind the verdict
- Potassium Nitrite (E249) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2017). EFSA ADI 0.07 mg/kg bw/day; used in cured meats; risk of nitrosamine formation; restricted levels.[avoid]
Frequently asked questions
Is E249 safe?
Our overall verdict for E249 (Potassium nitrite) is “Use caution”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: use caution; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: safe in moderation.
Is E249 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium nitrite — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E249 and why is it used?
Potassium nitrite is a curing agent and preservative used in processed meats like bacon, ham, and sausages. Its main food-safety role is inhibiting the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism, and it also helps cured meats keep their characteristic pink color. When heated to high temperatures, nitrites can react with proteins to form nitrosamines, compounds linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption, which is why regulators cap how much can be added. It is not typically used outside meat curing in food applications.
Does E249 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium nitrite.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.