Is Sodium Nitrite safe to consume in food? What is the purpose of Sodium Nitrite in processed meats? What foods commonly contain Sodium Nitrite as a preservative? What is the difference between Sodium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrate?

NaNO₂ 

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is used for various purposes in different industries.

Some common uses include:

Food Preservation: Sodium nitrite is widely used as a preservative in cured and processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats. It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, particularly Clostridium botulinum and prevents food spoilage.

Color Fixative: In the food industry, sodium nitrite is employed to fix and enhance the color of processed meats. It contributes to the characteristic pink or red color in cured products.

Corrosion Inhibitor: Sodium nitrite is used as a corrosion inhibitor in various industrial applications, especially in closed-loop cooling systems and the manufacturing of certain chemicals.

Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium nitrite may be utilized in the production of certain medications and as an analytical reagent in laboratories.

Dye and Textile Industry: Sodium nitrite is sometimes used in the dyeing and printing of textiles.

It's important to note that while sodium nitrite has beneficial applications, its use as a food additive has raised concerns related to the formation of nitrosamines, which are potential carcinogens. Therefore, regulatory agencies and food manufacturers carefully monitor and control its use to ensure safety and minimize health risks.

More about Sodium Nitrite can be found in Wikipedia.

Formula: NaNO₂
Molar Weight: 68.9953 g/mol
Form: white or slightly yellowish orthorhombic solid

CAS Number: 7632-00-0
EC Number: 231-555-9
E Number: E250 (preservatives)
Density: 2.168 g/cm³
Synonyms: SODIUM NITRITE, Nitrous acid sodium salt, Erinitrit, Filmerine, Natrium nitrit, Nitrito sodico, Anti-rust, Nitrite de sodium, Natrum nitrosum, Caswell No. 782, Synfat 1004, NaNO2, Natrii nitris, Nitrous acid soda