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Sodium Nitrite

Caution

Forms carcinogenic nitrosamines when heated with proteins (cured meats). IARC classifies processed meat as Group 1 carcinogen.

E / INS number: E250
Class: Synthetic Preservative
Allowed in organic: No

Also known as

e250

Regulatory status

Jurisdiction	Status	Notes	Source
EU	restricted	EU lowered maximum permitted levels in cured meats in 2023 following an EFSA reassessment. (2023-10-08)	European Commission
WORLD	warning_required	IARC classifies processed meat as Group 1 carcinogen, largely due to nitrite chemistry during cooking. (2015-10-26)	IARC

Other synthetic preservative ingredients

Azodicarbonamide (ADA)BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)Calcium Propionate EDTA (Calcium Disodium)Methylparaben Potassium Bromate Potassium Sorbate Propylparaben Sodium Benzoate Sodium Propionate Sulfur Dioxide / Sulfites

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Educational information, not medical, dietary, or safety advice. Classifications reflect our editorial rules plus cited regulatory sources. Always read the product’s own label.