# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)

Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color)
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)

E100 (Curcumin) is a natural diarylheptanoid yellow pigment extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa). INS 100(i), ADI is 3 mg/kg bw/day, providing bright yellow-orange coloration in mustard, cheese, and curry powders.

View full E100: Curcumin (Turmeric Yellow Color) spec sheet →

Sodium nitrite (E250, NaNO2) is an inorganic salt used in cured charcuterie, bacon, and processed meats to inhibit Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin germination, fix cured pink nitrosyl-myoglobin color, and retard lipid autoxidation.

View full E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

12 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Functional Class
Food Color (Yellow-Orange) Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
3 mg / kg body weight per day 0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA)
Chemical Formula
C21H20O6 NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol)
E-Number Code
E100
INS / Codex Number
INS 100(i)
Primary Mechanism
Light absorption at 420–430nm producing vibrant golden-yellow hue; polyphenol antioxidant activity
Common Target Foods
Prepared mustard, curry seasonings, margarine, cheese rinds, confectionery
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Turmeric root extraction), Halal, Kosher Certified
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.600)
INS / E-Number
INS 250 / E250
USDA Maximum Residual Level
156 ppm in cured meat / 200 ppm in dry cured ham / 120 ppm in bacon with ascorbate
Botulism Inhibition Threshold
Inhibits Clostridium botulinum spore outgrowth at ≥50–100 mg/kg in presence of NaCl

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