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

E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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

Comparing:
E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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 →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Functional Class
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
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
E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 471
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)
Primary Mechanism
Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)

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