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Sodium Nitrate (E251) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(4/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Sodium Nitrate?

Sodium nitrate is a preservative used in cured meats as a slow-release source of nitrite, providing a long-term curing effect. It is converted to nitrite by bacterial action during the curing process, which then acts as the active preservative and color fixative. Also known historically as Chile saltpeter, it occurs naturally in mineral deposits in South America.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a curing agent in processed meats where extended curing times are needed, such as dry-cured salami and long-aged meat products. Provides a reservoir of nitrite that is slowly released over time.

Function: Preservative, curing agent, slow-release nitrite source in processed meats
0.3 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
259 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
0.1%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
3.7 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): Approved. Limited use in cured meat products under 21 CFR 172.170.
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Re-evaluated 2017. ADI of 3.7 mg/kg bw/day as nitrate ion. Noted conversion to nitrite as primary safety concern.
⚠️ Key Concerns

Converts to nitrite in the body, which can then form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Used as a slow-release source of nitrite in cured meats — provides long-term curing effect. EFSA 2017 re-evaluation noted that while nitrate itself is less acutely toxic than nitrite, its conversion to nitrite makes it a concern. High nitrate intake from processed food and water has been associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Also naturally present in high levels in vegetables like spinach and beetroot, where the health context is different due to co-present antioxidants.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Sodium Nitrate an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 4/10. This is 1.7 points below the database average for preservatives (5.7/10). Dataset reference year: 2017. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.1% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Cured meatsSalamiPepperoniHamCorned beefSome cheeses
Example brands:
Columbus Craft MeatsBoar's HeadFiorucci

Always check the label for E251 or 'Sodium Nitrate'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: NaNO3
Molecular Weight: 84.99 g/mol
CAS Number: 7631-99-4
INS Number: 251
Also known as: E251, INS 251, Chile saltpeter, Soda niter

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Nitrate

Current dataset status: FDA — Approved. Limited use in cured meat products under 21 CFR 172.170.; EFSA/EU — Re-evaluated 2017. ADI of 3.7 mg/kg bw/day as nitrate ion. Noted conversion to nitrite as primary safety concern.. Reported concerns: Converts to nitrite in the body, which can then form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Used as a slow-release source of nitrite in cured meats — provides long-term curing effect. EFSA 2017 re-evaluation noted that while nitrate itself is less acutely toxic than nitrite, its conversion to nitrite makes it a concern. High nitrate intake from processed food and water has been associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Also naturally present in high levels in vegetables like spinach and beetroot, where the health context is different due to co-present antioxidants. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E251
INS Number
251
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
Approved. Limited use in cured meat products under 21 CFR 172.170.
EFSA Status
Re-evaluated 2017. ADI of 3.7 mg/kg bw/day as nitrate ion. Noted conversion to nitrite as primary safety concern.
ADI
3.7 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2017
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

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

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Other preservatives in the same family

Potassium Nitrate (E252)Sodium Nitrite (E250)Potassium Nitrite (E249)