Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E251: Sodium Nitrate (Chile Saltpeter / Slow Curing)
E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
E251 (Sodium Nitrate / NaNO3) is an inorganic salt serving as a slow-release chemical reservoir of nitrite in long-aged cured meats and hard cheeses. INS 251, ADI is 3.7 mg/kg bw/day, enzymatically reduced into nitrite over months of curing.
E460 (Microcrystalline Cellulose / MCC) is purified, depolymerized wood pulp cellulose prepared by acid hydrolysis. INS 460(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), functioning as a zero-calorie bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and fat mimetic in low-calorie foods.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
E-Number Code
|
E251 | E460 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
INS 251 | INS 460(i) |
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative, Curing Agent, Antimicrobial | Bulking Agent, Anti-Caking Agent, Stabilizer, Fat Replacer |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
3.7 mg / kg body weight per day (as nitrate ion) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
Chemical Formula
|
NaNO3 | (C6H10O5)n (Insoluble linear beta-1,4-glucan polymer) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
Micrococcus and Staphylococcus bacterial nitrate reductase slowly converts nitrate (NO3-) into bioactive nitrite (NO2-) | Crystalline cellulose micro-particles mimic creamy lipid mouthfeel without calories; prevents powder agglomeration |
|
Common Target Foods
|
Prosciutto di Parma, dry-cured salamis, Gouda cheeses (prevents late blowing by Clostridium tyrobutyricum) | Shredded cheeses (Prevents clumping), low-fat dressings, dietary supplement tablets, diet foods |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
Mineral synthesis, Halal, Kosher, Vegan compliance | 100% Vegan (Plant wood pulp), Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free |
|
Safety Approval
|
EFSA Authorized / FDA 9 CFR 424.21 | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1323) |
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