E250 - Sodium Nitrite

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.