Sodium Nitrite
Decode Label flags Sodium Nitrite as a high concern in food and drink (carcinogen). It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
The concern
Curing agent — classified probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2A)
Sodium nitrite is used to preserve processed meats. In the digestive tract it can form nitrosamines, classified as probable human carcinogens by IARC. The WHO recommends limiting processed meat consumption. Children and pregnant women are particularly advised to restrict intake.
Most relevant to
Not found in this catalogue
0 of 893 published products Decode Label has analysed list Sodium Nitrite or any of its label synonyms. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole. If a product we score lists it, it will appear here and its score will reflect it.
Regulatory position
From the published regulation itself. Each row links to its source.
| Authority | Status | Reference | Scope / limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU-CosIng | Restricted | Annex III 17 | Rust inhibitor max 0.2% | View → |
Hazard classification
The classification is for ingested nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation, not for the salt in isolation.
The classification is for ingested nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation, not for the salt in isolation.
Identity
- Canonical name
- Sodium nitrite
- CAS number
- 7632-00-0
- EC number
- 231-555-9
- E number
- E250
- INS number
- 250
Also appears on labels as
Questions
Is Sodium Nitrite safe?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 permits Sodium Nitrite in cosmetics only within set limits (Annex III, entry 17). Why it is flagged: Curing agent — classified probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2A). Decode Label treats it as a high concern in food and drink. It was not found in any of the 893 published products we have analysed.
How common is Sodium Nitrite in Indian packaged products?
Decode Label has not found Sodium Nitrite in any of the 893 published products analysed so far. That describes this catalogue, not the Indian market as a whole.
Which authorities have classified Sodium Nitrite?
EU — IARC Group 2A (ingested, under conditions of endogenous nitrosation).
Is Sodium Nitrite restricted or banned anywhere?
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (CosIng), Sodium Nitrite has 1 restricted entry. Each is shown with its annex reference and a link to the source in the Regulatory position table.
Who should be most careful with Sodium Nitrite?
Anyone eating this regularly; Children; People who are pregnant.
Related ingredients
Other entries in the register with the same kind of concern.
Method and limits
- Prevalence counts published products whose decoded ingredient list matches this substance or one of its label synonyms, using the same matching the score itself uses. It describes our catalogue of 893 products, not the Indian market as a whole.
- Presence is not dose. An ingredient list gives order, not quantity, unless the pack declares a percentage. Nothing here estimates how much of this substance any product contains.
- A classification is not a verdict on a product. An agency classifies a substance under defined conditions of exposure; whether that matters in a given food or cosmetic depends on route, concentration and use.
- Last updated. This register entry was last changed on 28 September 2026.
- Corrections. Every figure here is reproducible from the sources named. If something is wrong, tell us and we will correct it and say what changed.