| E251 is a food additive approved by
the European Union (EU). It is a natural mineral that acts as
a preservative in food products (especially as
a curing agent in meat), due to its antimicrobial properties.
The common name for E251 is sodium nitrate.
It may also be known as Chile saltpetre. In mineral
form, it may be known as soda nitre or nitratine. E251 is not to be confused with E250
(sodium nitrite).
E251 may also be used in the manufacture of nitric
acid for fertiliser, as well as for heat transfer in solar power plants.
It can be synthesised industrially by the neutralisation of nitric acid
by soda ash.
The compund E251 alone is not dangerous. However,
it may become harmful when combined with antioxidants in
fruit - becoming an irritant
to skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
Examples of food/drink products that may include E251:
Meat (smoked, cured and processed), cheese and root vegetables.
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.
|
