 Sodium nitrite - Use as a disease cure: Encyclopedia II - Sodium nitrite - Use as a food additiveAs a food additive, it serves a dual purpose in the food industry since it both alters the color of preserved fish and meats and also prevents growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria which causes botulism. It has the E number E250 and is used as a preservative. Potassium nitrite (E249) is used in the same way.
While this chemical may prevent the growth of bacteria, it can also be toxic for humans (lethal dose ca. 4g). Various dangers of using this chemical as a food additive have been suggested and researched by scientist ...
See also:Sodium nitrite, Sodium nitrite - Use as a food additive, Sodium nitrite - Use as a disease cure Read more here: » Sodium nitrite: Encyclopedia II - Sodium nitrite - Use as a food additive | 
