E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
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.
E282 (Calcium Propionate) is the calcium salt of propionic acid, the premier mold and 'rope' bacteria inhibitor in industrial yeast-leavened bakery goods. INS 282, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), preserving sliced bread for weeks without retarding yeast activity.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol) | Ca(C3H5O2)2 |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) | Preservative (Bakery Anti-Mold & Anti-Rope) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
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 | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E282 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 282 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Propionate ion disrupts membrane transport in Penicillium molds and Bacillus mesentericus (rope bacteria) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Commercial sliced white/wheat bread, hamburger buns, tortillas, pita bread |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan, Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1221) |