E249 - Potassium Nitrite

Author: Maryam Ayres Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: E 249 is the potassium salt of nitric acid. The food additive is used as a color improver and fixative, as a preservative in the food industry.

Characteristic

E 249 is the potassium salt of nitric acid. The food additive is used as a color enhancer and fixative, as a preservative in the food industry, added to meat and fish. Potassium nitrite is a white or not particularly yellow crystalline hygroscopic powder. It dissolves very well in water. A natural source of nitrite production is the biological formation of nitrates, which remain in various foods. Potassium nitrite is found in human saliva.

Use

The additive E 249 is used as a stabilizer in the production of canned meat (up to 125 mg / kg). It is actively used in the creation of photographs, azo dyes and many other organic complexes.

Impact on humans

E 249 is able to have a mutagenic effect on most microorganisms. The fact is that nitrite can penetrate the dyes into the blood, which contributes to the transport of oxygen in the body. In order to have an acute toxic effect on humans, the dose should be about 0.5 grams. Potassium nitrite is characterized by high reactivity, this is manifested in the ability to form nitrosamine. After using products containing E 249, a strong thirst is observed. The preservative has not been fully studied and studied, which poses a risk of undetectable toxic effects on the body. According to the latest data, the supplement is carcinogenic and can cause cancer.

E249 - Potassium Nitrite

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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