What is Potassium nitrite (E249)?

What does it do?

Extends shelf life by slowing mould, yeast and bacterial growth.

Is it harmful? Risk context

It draws comparatively more concern in the scientific literature. Even so, "any product containing this additive is harmful" is not accurate — what matters is dose and exposure. Regulators (EFSA) set a safe daily limit (ADI); in an ordinary, varied diet most people will not approach it. NeBu treats this additive as a negative signal in the score, but never condemns a product on its presence alone.

Used in processed meats; risk of nitrosamine formation

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)