Avoid

Is sodium nitrite bad for you?

E250 · Preservative

Yes, sodium nitrite is one of the additives worth limiting. The standard curing salt for bacon, ham, and hot dogs. Can form nitrosamines during cooking, linked to colorectal cancer. IARC lists processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Is sodium nitrite actually harmful?

During high-heat cooking it forms nitrosamines, compounds tied to colon cancer. People who eat processed meat daily have measurably higher cancer risk; an occasional weekend bacon sandwich is much lower risk.

What do regulators say?

IARC classifies processed meats containing nitrites as Group 1 (known carcinogen). The EU tightened maximum levels in 2023; the FDA allows it with a 200 ppm cap.

Source: WHO Q&A — processed meat (Group 1) ↗

So should you avoid it?

Known or suspected to cause harm: a substance EFSA or another regulator has flagged, or one restricted in some jurisdictions. Best kept out of a regular diet.

For the full reference on sodium nitrite, including what it is and where it turns up, see the E250 page. Or scan a product and Yuzu tells you if it's inside.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium nitrite bad for you?
During high-heat cooking it forms nitrosamines, compounds tied to colon cancer. People who eat processed meat daily have measurably higher cancer risk; an occasional weekend bacon sandwich is much lower risk.
What is sodium nitrite?
The standard curing salt that gives bacon, ham, hot dogs, and salami their pink color and prevents botulism in vacuum-packed meats.
Is sodium nitrite safe, according to regulators?
IARC classifies processed meats containing nitrites as Group 1 (known carcinogen). The EU tightened maximum levels in 2023; the FDA allows it with a 200 ppm cap.
Scan any product and see if sodium nitrite is in it — get Yuzu