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Potassium Nitrite (E249) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(4/10)Synthetic
4
QUESTIONABLE
Safety Score: 4/10

What Is Potassium Nitrite?

Potassium nitrite is a synthetic preservative used primarily in cured meat products to inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum and to fix the characteristic pink color of cured meats. It functions identically to sodium nitrite (E250) but uses the potassium salt form. Like all nitrite additives, it is subject to strict usage limits due to concerns about nitrosamine formation.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a curing agent in processed meats to prevent botulism, maintain pink color, and develop characteristic cured flavor. It is less commonly used than sodium nitrite but serves the same function.

Function: Preservative, curing agent, color fixative in processed meats

Safety Assessment

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.07 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): Approved. Limited to 200 ppm in cured meat products under 21 CFR 172.175.
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Re-evaluated 2017. ADI of 0.07 mg/kg bw/day as nitrite ion (group ADI for E249-E250). Confirmed concern over nitrosamine formation in processed meat.
⚠️ Key Concerns

Same concerns as sodium nitrite (E250). Can react with amines in meat to form nitrosamines, which are Group 1 carcinogens (IARC). EFSA 2017 re-evaluation confirmed nitrites in processed meat are associated with formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. IARC classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen in 2015, partly due to the nitrite/nitrosamine pathway. The ADI is very low (0.07 mg/kg bw/day) reflecting significant concern. Nitrites can also oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport, which is particularly dangerous for infants.

Our Assessment

Based on current evidence, Potassium Nitrite is rated Questionable with a score of 4/10. This is 1.7 points below the average for preservatives (5.7/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2017.

Commonly Found In

Cured meatsHamBaconSausagesCorned beef
Example brands:
NoelHertaWestfleisch

Always check the label for E249 or 'Potassium Nitrite'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: KNO2
Molecular Weight: 85.1 g/mol
CAS Number: 7758-09-0
INS Number: 249
Also known as: E249, INS 249

Frequently Asked Questions about Potassium Nitrite

Potassium Nitrite has a Safety Score of 4/10 (Questionable). Same concerns as sodium nitrite (E250). Can react with amines in meat to form nitrosamines, which are Group 1 carcinogens (IARC). EFSA 2017 re-evaluation confirmed nitrites in processed meat are associated with formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. IARC classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen in 2015, partly due to the nitrite/nitrosamine pathway. The ADI is very low (0.07 mg/kg bw/day) reflecting significant concern. Nitrites can also oxidize hemoglobin to methemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport, which is particularly dangerous for infants.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E249
INS Number
249
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
Approved. Limited to 200 ppm in cured meat products under 21 CFR 172.175.
EFSA Status
Re-evaluated 2017. ADI of 0.07 mg/kg bw/day as nitrite ion (group ADI for E249-E250). Confirmed concern over nitrosamine formation in processed meat.
ADI
0.07 mg/kg bw/day
Last Review
2017
Dietary Compatibility
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other preservatives in the same family

Sodium NitriteSodium NitratePotassium Nitrate