preservative INS 249

Potassium Nitrite E249

inorganic — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Potassium nitrite

CAS: 7758-09-0

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Potassium Nitrite is also used in medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Restricted to specific meat products; maximum residual levels 50-150 mg/kg

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Approved for specific uses

Limited to cured meats; maximum 200 ppm

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Strictly regulated for use in meat products

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–0.07 mg/kg bw/day (for nitrite ion)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.07 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for nitrites)

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by reduction of potassium nitrate or by absorption of nitrogen oxides in potassium hydroxide solution.

Applications Beyond Food

Medical

Used as a vasodilator (though sodium nitrite is more common).

Industrial

Used in dyeing and textile industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Nitrite (E249)?

Potassium Nitrite (E249) is a preservative used in food products. It is inorganic and synthetic. A synthetic salt not found naturally in significant quantities. Used primarily in cured meats.

What is the ADI for Potassium Nitrite?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Potassium Nitrite is 0–0.07 mg/kg bw/day (for nitrite ion) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Potassium Nitrite?

Potassium Nitrite is used in various food categories including Meat preparations, Meat products. It is used as a preservative in these products.