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E251 - Sodium nitrate

Additive: E251 - Sodium nitrate

Functions: Preservative

Sodium nitrate is the chemical compound with the formula NaNO3. This alkali metal nitrate salt is also known as Chile saltpeter -because large deposits of this salt can be found in Chile- to distinguish it from ordinary saltpeter, potassium nitrate. The mineral form is also known as nitratine, nitratite or soda niter. Sodium nitrate is a white solid very soluble in water. It is a readily available source of the nitrate anion -NO3−-, which is useful in several reactions carried out on industrial scales for the production of fertilizers, pyrotechnics and smoke bombs, glass and pottery enamels, food preservatives -esp. meats-, and solid rocket propellant. It has been mined extensively for these purposes. - Wikipedia

Risk of overexposure

EFSA evaluation: Re‐evaluation of sodium nitrate -E 251- and potassium nitrate -E 252- as food additives (2017/06/15)

High risk of over exposure
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined that some population groups have a high risk of consuming too much E251 - Sodium nitrate.

To evaluate your exposure to the E251 - Sodium nitrate food additive, you can browse our list of products that contain it. See the list of products with E251 - Sodium nitrate below.

  InfantsToddlersChildrenAdolescentsAdultsElderly
  < 11 to 23 to 910 to 1718 to 6465+
Most people
(over 50%)		 Groups with more than 50% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)Groups with more than 50% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)   
Some people
(over 5%)		Groups with more than 5% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)Groups with more than 5% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)Groups with more than 5% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)Groups with more than 5% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)Groups with more than 5% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)Groups with more than 5% of members exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)

Risk of exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) : Risk of exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI)