E250 · Sodium nitrite
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- 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
What is E250?
Sodium nitrite is a curing agent and preservative widely used in processed and cured meats such as bacon, hot dogs, ham, and salami. Its main job is preventing the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism, and it also gives cured meats their characteristic pink color and flavor. When exposed to high heat, such as pan-frying bacon, nitrites can react with proteins to form nitrosamines, some of which are linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption; the WHO classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen partly for this reason. Regulators cap allowed levels to balance its food-safety benefit against this risk.
Also appears on labels as: E250, E 250, E-250, INS 250, Sodium nitrite, NaNO2, Nitrous acid, sodium salt, Food Additive E250, Preservative E250, Sodium nitrite (NaNO2), Additive 250, Nitrite of sodium.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is E250 safe?
Our overall verdict for E250 (Sodium nitrite) is “Safe in moderation”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe in moderation; 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 E250 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium 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 E250 and why is it used?
Sodium nitrite is a curing agent and preservative widely used in processed and cured meats such as bacon, hot dogs, ham, and salami. Its main job is preventing the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism, and it also gives cured meats their characteristic pink color and flavor. When exposed to high heat, such as pan-frying bacon, nitrites can react with proteins to form nitrosamines, some of which are linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption; the WHO classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen partly for this reason. Regulators cap allowed levels to balance its food-safety benefit against this risk.
Does E250 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium 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.