Sodium Nitrate
Function: Preservative
E251 is the European food-additive number for Sodium Nitrate, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM NITRATE is the chemical compound with the formula NaNO3.
What is E251 used for?
Sodium Nitrate (E251) 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 E251 safe or restricted?
E251 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 E251
- What is E251?
- E251 is the E-number for Sodium Nitrate, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM NITRATE is the chemical compound with the formula NaNO3.
- What is E251 used for?
- Sodium Nitrate (E251) 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 E251 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 E251 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E251 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 E251 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.