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E252PreservativeModerate concern
Potassium Nitrate
In plain words
The short version
Saltpeter — a slow-release curing agent that converts to nitrite during meat ageing.
Why we flag it amber
A traditional curing salt that converts to nitrite in the meat, protecting against botulism but able to form nitrosamines — compounds linked to cancer. That trade-off is why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–3.7 mg/kg body weight. Lower direct toxicity than nitrite but converts to nitrite in storage and digestion, where the same N-nitrosamine concerns apply. The combined nitrite + nitrate dietary load (including from vegetables) drives the risk profile.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.