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E250: Sodium nitrite

Also called: Curing salt

Preservatives

What it does

Preserves cured meat and keeps it pink.

What it is made from

Synthetic salt.

Allergies and diets

No allergy or diet concern is recorded for this additive. That is not a guarantee: the source can differ between makers, so check the label.

"Natural" or "nitrite-free" cured meat usually uses celery or other vegetable powder as the nitrate source instead; that is declared as celery or vegetable powder, not as E250.

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General information, not medical advice. Sources differ between manufacturers: check the label or ask the maker.

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