Foods Containing E250 (Sodium Nitrite)
E250 (Sodium Nitrite) is a curing salt that keeps bacon and ham pink and prevents botulism — but linked to bowel cancer risk in processed meat. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E250
E250 is used across soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Bacon
- Ham
- Salami and cured sausages
- Hot dogs
- Corned beef
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E250 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E250" or as "Sodium Nitrite".
How to spot E250 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "preservatives: E250" or "preservatives: sodium nitrite". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Sodium Nitrite" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E250?
E250 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. Nitrites and nitrates in processed meat can form nitrosamines, and the WHO classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans — the main reason health bodies advise limiting cured meats. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E250 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E250: safety, vegan and halal status →
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Want to avoid E250?
Additive-free eating
Cookbooks and guides for cooking without additives.
Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).