Potassium Nitrite
Function: Preservative
E249 is the European food-additive number for Potassium Nitrite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Potassium Nitrite (E249) is a preservative used as a food additive.
What is E249 used for?
Potassium Nitrite (E249) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E249 safe or restricted?
E249 is banned or severely restricted in one or more jurisdictions. Forkin classifies it as “Banned / Severely restricted” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E249
- What is E249?
- E249 is the E-number for Potassium Nitrite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Potassium Nitrite (E249) is a preservative used as a food additive.
- What is E249 used for?
- Potassium Nitrite (E249) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E249 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E249 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E249 is banned or severely restricted in one or more jurisdictions. Forkin classifies it as "Banned / Severely restricted" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E249 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.