E250 - Sodium Nitrite
It appears as a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. Sodium nitrite is used in the food industry, primarily as a food additive for its preservation and color-enhancing properties.
Uses:
Food Industry:
- Preservative Agent: Used to prevent bacterial growth and improve the shelf life of food products, especially processed meat.
- Coloring Agent: Contributes to maintaining the characteristic pink color of processed meat.
Properties:
- Sodium nitrite inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for botulism and enhances color stability in meat.
Precautions:
- The use of sodium nitrite in the food industry is subject to strict regulations due to concerns related to the formation of potentially harmful compounds during cooking or thermal processing.
- Accurate dosages must be adhered to in order to avoid excessive levels in food products.