01 / 04What it is
E251 in plain English
Sodium nitrate is converted to nitrite by gut bacteria. Shares the carcinogenicity concerns of E249 and E250.
Converts to nitrite in the body; same nitrosamine concerns.
02 / 04Why it's used
It buys shelf life.
To inhibit the growth of mould, yeast and bacteria, extending the shelf life of products well beyond what they would otherwise tolerate.
preservative
03 / 04Health concerns
A real concern.
Banned in at least one major jurisdiction, or IARC group 2B (possibly carcinogenic).
04 / 04Regulatory status
How the world's regulators rule
- Australia · FSANZ
- Permitted
- Banned jurisdictions
- None recorded
- Filtr risk tier
- High risk
- Filtr score penalty
- −6 points
- Category
- Preservative
Connected files
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