Hazard level: High health concern Preservative (E200–299)
What is Potassium Nitrite?
Curing salt used in processed meats. Forms nitrosamines during cooking, a key mechanism behind IARC classifying processed meat as Group 1 carcinogenic.
Is Potassium Nitrite safe?
Potassium Nitrite is a high health concern. Consider limiting products that contain it.
Score impact:
−15 points on the FoodsScan score (FoodsScan scores run 0–100, where 100 is best.)
Regulatory sources: IARC, EFSA
Also known as
Potassium Nitrite is also known as e249, potassium nitrite — these all refer to the same ingredient.