E251: Sodium nitrate
Preservative, used in meat products. Verdict: debated
| Code | E251 |
| Name | Sodium nitrate |
| Also known as | sodium nitrate, saltpeter |
| Group | E200–E299 — preservatives |
| Verdict | debated |
Where you meet it
- dry-cured sausages
- cheeses
- meat delicacies
Frequently asked questions
- Is E251 dangerous?
- On the classification this reference uses, E251 is "debated". Preservative, used in meat products. That is a summary of the Russian TR CU 029/2012 list and the EU permitted lists, not medical advice.
- How do I check whether E251 is in a product I have?
- Photograph the barcode or the ingredients panel — the app reads the list and flags every additive it finds. Three checks are free, with no account.
Check a product rather than guess. Photograph the barcode and the app reads the ingredients, decodes every code and marks the ones worth knowing about.
Others in this group: E250 · E202 · E211 · E220 · the full table
This reference is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.