Preservative · CAS 7632-00-0 · EU E250
Sodium Nitrite
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sodium Nitrite is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 2 out of 5 (Caution), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #24 of 417.
- #24 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Sodium Nitrite is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #24 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (94th percentile).
- 2/5
- Caution
- Approved
- FDA status
- #24 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Sodium Nitrite: 1,902 tracked U.S. products (common band, #24 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 1,902 · #24 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E250 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7632-00-0 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Sodium Nitrite?
Curing agent for meats. Prevents botulism.
Health Concerns
- Forms carcinogenic nitrosamines when heated. WHO classified processed meats as Group 1 carcinogen partly due to nitrites.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (1,902 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 1,902
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Nitrite safe to consume?
Sodium Nitrite scores 2/5 (Caution). FDA status is Approved. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (1,902 tracked products, #24 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Sodium Nitrite used for in food?
Sodium Nitrite shows up as Hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, jerky, ham in the Preservative class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (1,902 products).
Where does Sodium Nitrite sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #24 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Sodium Nitrite?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sodium Nitrite: Forms carcinogenic nitrosamines when heated. WHO classified processed meats as Group 1 carcinogen partly due to nitrites.. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.