YenzoWhat is E249 (potassium nitrite)?
It is potassium nitrite, the potassium salt of nitrous acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E249 as colour retention agent and preservative.
E249Potassium nitrite
E249 is potassium nitrite, the potassium salt of nitrous acid. In processed meat it keeps cured meat pink, adds to its flavour and holds back bacteria.
- Code
- E249 · INS 249
- ADI
- 0.07 mg nitrite ion/kg bw per day (EFSA 2017)
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalehigh?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2023
How E249 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour retention agent (249), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour retention agent (249)colour retention agent 249E249INS 249kali nitritpotassium nitrite
Potassium nitrite in food
Questions about potassium nitrite
Is potassium nitrite harmful?
In 2017 EFSA set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.07 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as nitrite ion, for potassium nitrite (E249) and sodium nitrite (E250). EFSA found that nitrite from food additives did not exceed this ADI for the general population, except for a slight exceedance in children with the highest intake.
Is E249 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Potassium nitrite (INS 249) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as a colour retention agent and preservative.
Can children and pregnant women have potassium nitrite?
JECFA states that the ADI applies to all sources of intake but not to infants below the age of 3 months. This source does not mention pregnant women separately.
Other colour retention agents
E250Sodium nitritehighE251Sodium nitratehighE252Potassium nitratehighE330Citric acidvery lowE375Nicotinic acid (niacin)very lowE385Calcium disodium EDTAlow
See all colour retention agents →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (4)
- EFSA Journal: Risk assessment of N-nitrosamines in food (2023): the margin of exposure raises a health concern for all age groups.
- EFSA Journal: Re-evaluation of potassium nitrite (E 249) and sodium nitrite (E 250) as food additives (2017).
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A và 2B (nitrit, INS 249–250)
- JECFA (FAO/WHO) evaluation database: Potassium nitrite, INS 249