Comparing E250 - Sodium nitrite vs E508 - Potassium chloride
Overview
Synonyms
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Found in 10,296 products
Found in 33 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is sodium nitrite bad for you?
In regulated amounts used in cured meats, it’s considered safe and helps prevent botulism; EFSA’s acceptable daily intake (ADI) for nitrite is 0.07 mg/kg body weight per day from all sources. High doses can cause methemoglobinemia and can promote nitrosamine formation, so use levels are strictly limited.
What is sodium nitrite used for?
Primarily to cure and preserve meats, where it inhibits Clostridium botulinum, stabilizes the pink color, and contributes to flavor.
How much sodium nitrite is deadly?
Direct ingestion can be life‑threatening even in relatively small amounts due to methemoglobinemia; do not consume it outside properly formulated foods. If you’re concerned about exposure or personal safety, contact poison control or emergency services right away.
Does sodium nitrite cause cancer?
Nitrite itself isn’t classified as a human carcinogen, but it can form carcinogenic N‑nitrosamines under certain conditions; IARC classifies ingested nitrate/nitrite under conditions leading to endogenous nitrosation as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). Regulators cap nitrite levels and often require ascorbate/erythorbate to limit nitrosamine formation.
How to buy sodium nitrite?
Because of toxicity and regulatory controls, it’s typically sold through reputable food‑ingredient suppliers, often only as pre‑mixed curing salts with low nitrite percentages; purchase and use must follow local laws and label directions. For legitimate culinary use, seek guidance on safe handling and approved formulations; if you’re looking for it due to thoughts of self‑harm, please seek immediate help from local emergency services or a crisis hotline.
What is potassium chloride used for?
In foods, E508 is used as a sodium‑reducing salt substitute and flavoring agent, and it can help with preservation and texture in products like cured meats, brines, and some gels/dairy.
Is potassium chloride good for you?
It can help lower sodium intake and adds potassium, but typical food amounts are small and it isn’t a health supplement; benefits depend on your diet and health status.
Is potassium chloride safe?
Yes—it's approved/GRAS and considered safe at normal food-use levels; people with kidney problems or on potassium‑raising drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium‑sparing diuretics) should be cautious with high‑potassium salt substitutes.
Is potassium chloride bad for you?
Not for most people at food levels, but excessive intake can raise blood potassium (hyperkalemia) and upset the stomach, especially in those with kidney or heart disease or on certain medications.
Is potassium chloride a salt?
Yes—it's an inorganic salt (KCl), often used as a substitute for table salt (sodium chloride).