Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
E334: L-Tartaric Acid (Wine & Baking Acidulant)
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.
E334 (L(+)-Tartaric Acid) is a dicarboxylic organic acid recovered as potassium bitartrate by-product from wine barrels. INS 334, ADI has historically been set at up to 20 mg/kg bw/day by JECFA, delivering a sharp, lingering tartness in candies, soft drinks, and baking powders.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol) | C4H6O6 (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Synergist for Antioxidants |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA) | Historically up to 20 mg / kg body weight per day (JECFA: 0–6 mg/kg unconditional + 6–20 mg/kg conditional acceptance) |
|
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
|
— | E334 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 334 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Stronger sourness profile than citric acid (pKa1 2.98), stimulating salivation and activating baking soda |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Hard sour candies, baking powder (Cream of tartar), grape beverages, wine adjustment |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Wine by-product), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1099) |
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