NITRITE

Overview

Functional Class
Food Additives
COLOUR_RETENTION_AGENT
PRESERVATIVE

Evaluations

Evaluation year: 2002

ADI:
0-0.07 mg/kg bw

Comments:
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.
MRL Code:
Expressed as nitrite ion; ADI applies to all sources of intake but not to infants below the age of 3 months
Meeting:
59
Report: 
TRS 913-JECFA 59/20
Tox Monograph: 
FAS 50-JECFA 59/49
Specification: 
See FAO specifications on potassium nitrite and/or sodium nitrite
Previous Years:
1995, TRS 859-JECFA 44/29,31, FAS 35-JECFA 44/269. 0-0.06 mg/kg bw (EXPRESSED AS NITRITE ION; ADI APPLIES TO ALL SOURCES OF INTAKE BUT NOT TO INFANTS BELOW THE AGE OF 3 MONTHS). FU See: "POTASSIUM NITRITE" and/or "SODIUM NITRITE"
1995, TRS 859-JECFA 44/29,31, FAS 35-JECFA 44/269. 0-0.06 mg/kg bw (EXPRESSED AS NITRITE ION; ADI APPLIES TO ALL SOURCES OF INTAKE BUT NOT TO INFANTS BELOW THE AGE OF 3 MONTHS). FU See: "POTASSIUM NITRITE" and/or "SODIUM NITRITE"