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The Filtr Library
Additive · Filtr file

E252

Potassium Nitrate

Curing salt; converts to nitrite with the same nitrosamine concerns.

HIGH RISKPenalty−6 ptsFSANZPERMITTEDBanned in—
FILE · E252
High riskFiltr penalty−6 pts
ISSUED · 06.2026
01 / 04What it is

E252 in plain English

Curing salt; converts to nitrite with the 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

Sources & further reading

01 citation