| E249 is a food additive
approved by the European Union (EU) and used as an antibacterial synthetic
preservative
in food products, as well as a colour fixative and curing agent in meats.
The common name for E249 is potassium nitrite.
E249 is the salt of nitrous acid and is highly oxidising.
An excess of E249 in the blood may reduce the oxygen-carrying
capacity of haemoglobin in the red blood cells. This may lead to
headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Another concern is that,
once in the stomach, nitrates can form nitrosamines, which are thought
to be carcinogens. There are some concerns that E249 may
have a deteriorating effect on the adrenal glands.
E249 is not permitted in food for infants and
young children. Examples of food/drink products that may include E249:
Meat (smoked, cured and processed), root vegetables and fish.
Note(1) that the list of Food
Additives (E Numbers) included in this section and listed on the left
is subject to change as more chemicals are added by the EU Regulatory
Authorities. IvyRose cannot guarantee that this list complete.
Note(2) These numbers are also used in Australia and
New Zealand but without the E.
Government approvals
and other regulatory details are subject to change.
This
was added on 21 July 2008. If details are important to you, check
with relevant authorities.
|
