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

E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)

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

Comparing:
E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt)
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)

E224 (Potassium Metabisulfite / K2S2O5) is a white crystalline powder releasing 57.6% sulfur dioxide by weight when dissolved in acidic liquids. INS 224, ADI is 0.7 mg/kg bw/day, the premier sanitizing and stabilizing agent in commercial winemaking.

View full E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) 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
Preservative, Antioxidant, Sanitizer Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as SO2 equivalent) 0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA)
Chemical Formula
K2S2O5 NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol)
E-Number Code
E224
INS / Codex Number
INS 224
Primary Mechanism
Releases free SO2 and potassium ions, neutralizing wild yeasts and preventing enzymatic must oxidation
Common Target Foods
Grape must, commercial wines, ciders, lemon juice concentrates, dried fruit processing
Dietary Compliance
Vegan, Halal, Kosher (Allergen labeling required)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.3637)
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

Other Alternatives to Compare

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Calcium Carbonate (Mineral White Color / Anti-Caking) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E200: Sorbic Acid (Antifungal Preservative) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E202: Potassium Sorbate (Soluble Antimicrobial) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E211: Sodium Benzoate (Acid Beverage Preservative) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E220: Sulfur Dioxide (Antioxidant & Wine Preservative) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E260: Acetic Acid (Vinegar Acidulant / Preservative) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E270: Lactic Acid (Biological Acidulant) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E290: Carbon Dioxide (Carbonation & MAP Gas) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E300: L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Antioxidant & Flour Improver) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E306: Tocopherol-Rich Extract (Natural Vitamin E Antioxidant) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E338: Phosphoric Acid (Cola Acidulant) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E406: Agar-Agar (Seaweed Hydrocolloid Gel) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E407: Carrageenan (Dairy Stabilizer Hydrocolloid) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E410: Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum / LBG) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E415: Xanthan Gum (Pseudoplastic Hydrocolloid Thickener) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E503: Ammonium Bicarbonate (Baker's Ammonia / Hartshorn) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E509: Calcium Chloride (Firming Agent / Cheese Salt) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E627: Disodium Guanylate (GMP Umami Synergist) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E635: Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (I+G Blend) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E950: Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K / 200x Sweetener) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E951: Aspartame (Dipeptide Sweetener / 200x) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E955: Sucralose (Splenda / 600x Heat-Stable Sweetener) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E960: Steviol Glycosides (Reb-A / Stevia Extract) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E965: Maltitol (Sugar Alcohol / 90% Sweetness) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor) → Compare E224: Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden Salt) vs. E968: Erythritol (Zero-Calorie Fermented Polyol) →