E249 - Potassium Nitrite

E249- POTASSIUM NITRITUS

Potassium nitrite is a synthetically produced preservative, which looks like a white powder; it is used by the food industry as a preservative, in particular against Clostridium botulinum (a bacterium that can cause botulism) in meat and fish products.

Potassium nitrite is added especially in canned meats, sausages, canned fish and cheeses.

It can hinder the transport of oxygen in the blood by also reacting with other substances (such as nitrosamines), also becoming toxic.

Its use in products administered to children under 1 year is not recommended.

It can give hyperactivity, asthma, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, cancer.

The consumption above the daily dose is not recommended.

ADI DOSE: 0.06-0.1mg per kg of body weight.