E251 · Sodium nitrate
- 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 E251?
Sodium nitrate is a curing agent used in some processed and cured meats to preserve color and inhibit bacterial growth, including Clostridium botulinum. In the body, it can be converted into nitrite and, under high heat, into nitrosamines, compounds linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption; this is distinct from the nitrate naturally present in vegetables like spinach and beets, which is generally viewed more favorably. Outside food, it's also used in fertilizers and, due to its strong oxidizing properties, in explosives and glass manufacturing -- those are unrelated industrial uses. Regulators set maximum permitted levels for its use in food.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium nitrate, NaNO3, E251, E 251, E-251, INS 251, Chile saltpeter, Chilean saltpeter, Peru saltpeter, Nitre, Niter, Nitratine.
What the evidence says
- In the body and during food processing, nitrate can convert to nitrite and then to nitrosamines, some of which are linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption of cured meats.
- High levels in drinking water (from agricultural runoff, not food additive use) pose a particular risk to infants by reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity (methemoglobinemia, 'blue baby syndrome').
- Dietary nitrate from vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, beets) is generally considered to have a different, often favorable, health profile compared with nitrate/nitrite added to cured meats.
Research behind the verdict
- Sodium Nitrate (E251) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2017). Converted to nitrites in vivo; EFSA ADI 3.7 mg/kg bw/day; risk of nitrosamine formation; restricted use.[avoid]
Frequently asked questions
Is E251 safe?
Our overall verdict for E251 (Sodium nitrate) 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 E251 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium nitrate — 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 E251 and why is it used?
Sodium nitrate is a curing agent used in some processed and cured meats to preserve color and inhibit bacterial growth, including Clostridium botulinum. In the body, it can be converted into nitrite and, under high heat, into nitrosamines, compounds linked to increased cancer risk with regular high consumption; this is distinct from the nitrate naturally present in vegetables like spinach and beets, which is generally viewed more favorably. Outside food, it's also used in fertilizers and, due to its strong oxidizing properties, in explosives and glass manufacturing -- those are unrelated industrial uses. Regulators set maximum permitted levels for its use in food.
Does E251 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium nitrate.
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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.