E250: Sodium Nitrite (Curing Salt / Anti-Botulism Preservative) vs. E967: Xylitol (Birch Sugar / Dental Caries Inhibitor)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
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.
E967 (Xylitol) is a five-carbon polyol sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenation of xylose from birch wood or corn cobs. INS 967, ADI is Not Specified, offering 100% 1:1 sugar sweetness, a cooling endothermic mouthfeel, and active inhibition of Streptococcus mutans cavity bacteria.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Class
|
Preservative / Color Retention Agent (Curing Salt) | Bulk Sweetener, Anti-Cariogenic Dental Agent, Humectant |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
0–0.07 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA / JECFA) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis / Toxic to dogs warning) |
|
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
|
— | E967 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 967 |
|
Relative Sweetness Index
|
— | 100% Sucrose (Exact 1:1 sweetness match) |
|
Caloric Value
|
— | 2.4 kcal / g (40% fewer calories than sugar) kcal/g |
|
Heat of Solution (Cooling)
|
— | -36.5 cal/g (Strong refreshing cooling mouth sensation) cal/g |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Dental chewing gums (Orbit/Trident), sugar-free mints, toothpastes, diabetic baking |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (Plant birch/corn source), Halal, Kosher, High Canine Toxicity Warning |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA Approved (21 CFR 172.395) |