POTASSIUM NITRITE

Overview

Chemical Names
Potassium nitrite
CAS number
7758-09-0
INS
249
Functional Class
Food Additives
COLOUR_RETENTION_AGENT
PRESERVATIVE
INS matches
249

Evaluations

Evaluation year: 2002

ADI:
0-0.07 mg/kg bw

Comments:
Evaluated as nitrite and expressed as nitrite ion, ADI applies to all sources of intake but not to infants below the age of 3 months. JECFA established an ADI of 0-0.07 mg/kg/bw, expressed as nitrite ion, on the basis of the NOEL of 6.7 mg/kg bw/day for effects on the heart and lung in a 2-year study in rats and a safety factor of 100. Nitrite causes methemoglobinemia. JECFA noted that as this might occur after a single dose, it would be appreciate to establish an acute reference dose for nitrite. The data available for review at the present JECFA meeting were however not relevant for establishing an acute reference dose.
Meeting:
59
Report: 
TRS 913-JECFA 59/20
Tox Monograph: 
FAS 50-JECFA 59/49
Specification: 
FAO JECFA Monographs 1

Evaluation year: 1995

ADI:
0-0.06 mg/kg bw
Comments:
Expressed as nitrite ion; ADI applies to all sources of intake but not to infants below the age of 3 months
Meeting:
44
Specs Code:
R
Report: 
TRS 859-JECFA 44/29,31
Tox Monograph: 
FAS 35-JECFA 44/269
Specification: 
COMPENDIUM ADDENDUM 12/FNP 52 Add. 12/68 (METALS LIMITS) (2004). R; FAO JECFA Monographs 1 vol.3/145
Previous Years:
1995, COMPENDIUM ADDENDUM 3/FNP 52 Add.3/153. R 1976, FNS 1/TRS 599-JECFA 20/16, FAS 10-JECFA 20/86. 0-0.2 (TEMPORARY, EXPRESSED AS SODIUM NITRITE; FOOD FOR BABIES LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD SHOULD NOT CONTAIN ADDED NITRITES). TE. S 1973, NMRS 53/TRS 539-JE
1995, COMPENDIUM ADDENDUM 3/FNP 52 Add.3/153. R 1976, FNS 1/TRS 599-JECFA 20/16, FAS 10-JECFA 20/86. 0-0.2 (TEMPORARY, EXPRESSED AS SODIUM NITRITE; FOOD FOR BABIES LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD SHOULD NOT CONTAIN ADDED NITRITES). TE. S 1973, NMRS 53/TRS 539-JE