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

E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)

Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier)

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 →

E414 (Gum Arabic / Acacia Gum) is a complex arabinogalactan-protein glycoprotein exudate harvested from Acacia senegal trees. INS 414, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the premier film-forming emulsifier for citrus beverage flavor oils.

View full E414: Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum Emulsifier) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Functional Class
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) Emulsifier, Stabilizer, Encapsulating Agent, Prebiotic Fiber
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
Chemical Formula
NaNO₂ (Molecular Weight: 68.995 g/mol)
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
E414
INS / Codex Number
INS 414
Chemical Structure
Arabinogalactan core covalently linked to hydroxyproline-rich peptide chains (~2% protein)
Primary Mechanism
Amphiphilic glycoprotein anchors hydrophobic oil droplets while polysaccharide branches project into water, preventing coalescence
Common Target Foods
Citrus soft drinks (Suspends essential oils), gummy candies, confectionery pan coatings, flavor spray drying
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Wild Acacia tree gum), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1330)

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