Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
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.
E330 (Citric Acid) is a tricarboxylic organic acid produced by industrial fermentation of Aspergillus niger on carbohydrate substrates. INS 330, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the single most widely used acidulant, flavor enhancer, and metal chelator on Earth.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol) | C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist |
|
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
|
— | E330 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 330 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) |
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