Sodium Nitrite

High Concern

Preservative

Also known as

sodium nitritee250nitrite

The concern

IARC classifies processed meat containing nitrites as a Group 1 carcinogen (causes colorectal cancer). Nitrites form carcinogenic nitrosamines during cooking.

Read the source: IARC / WHO

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

Sodium Nitrite
sodium nitrite
e250
nitrite

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source — IARC / WHO

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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