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Sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite suppliers and sourcing guide

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic salt used in curing meat, poultry and fish, where it fixes the pink cured color, contributes cured flavor and slows the growth of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. It is made by absorbing nitrogen oxides into sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide solution and crystallizing the salt. Processors buy it as food-grade crystals, or more often pre-diluted in salt as a curing mix, sometimes tinted so it is not confused with table salt.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
E250 · NaNO2 · Nitrous acid, sodium salt
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sodium nitrite

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Food grade crystals

    Neat sodium nitrite, usually free-flowing granules, handled only by trained plant staff because of its strength.

  • Curing salt blends

    Sodium nitrite diluted in salt at a stated percentage, sometimes with sodium nitrate, and often tinted pink.

  • Liquid solutions

    Pre-dissolved nitrite for injection brines in larger meat plants.

  • Encapsulated or premix forms

    Nitrite in coated or blended forms supplied separately from seasonings, as federal rules require for curing premixes.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (titration)
Sodium nitrite content by permanganate or ceric titration on a dry basis; for blends, the declared nitrite percentage.
Blend uniformity
Nitrite content from several samples of a curing salt lot, since even mixing is critical to dosing.
Loss on drying
Moisture, which causes caking and dosing errors.
Lead and heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against FCC limits.
Insoluble matter
A check on residue in neat material.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sodium nitrite sealed, dry and cool, segregated from acids, reducing agents and combustible materials, since it is an oxidizer. Keep it in a locked, clearly labeled area away from salt and other white powders to prevent mix-ups. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of nitrite content for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the nitrite percentage of every lot of curing salt and recalculate brine and blend formulas when it changes. Keep a usage log that reconciles quantities issued against product made, and rotate stock FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 172.175 permits sodium nitrite as a preservative and color fixative in smoked, cured sablefish, salmon and shad at no more than 200 ppm in the finished product.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 170.60 says nitrites packaged separately from flavoring and seasoning in curing premixes may continue to be used under prior sanctions in commercial curing of meat and poultry.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Under 21 CFR 172.175(b), retail packages for household use must carry the statement "Keep out of the reach of children".

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes sodium nitrite, starting with meat binder and curing preparations for preserved meat.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sodium nitrite suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sodium nitrite suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell sodium nitrite? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of sodium nitrite can brands buy?

Common forms include food grade crystals, curing salt blends, liquid solutions and encapsulated or premix forms. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sodium nitrite include?

Expect assay (titration), blend uniformity, loss on drying, lead and heavy metals and insoluble matter, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sodium nitrite be stored?

Store sodium nitrite sealed, dry and cool, segregated from acids, reducing agents and combustible materials, since it is an oxidizer. Keep it in a locked, clearly labeled area away from salt and other white powders to prevent mix-ups. Shelf life follows the supplier specification, with a retest of nitrite content for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of sodium nitrite?

21 CFR 172.175 permits sodium nitrite as a preservative and color fixative in smoked, cured sablefish, salmon and shad at no more than 200 ppm in the finished product. 21 CFR 170.60 says nitrites packaged separately from flavoring and seasoning in curing premixes may continue to be used under prior sanctions in commercial curing of meat and poultry. Under 21 CFR 172.175(b), retail packages for household use must carry the statement "Keep out of the reach of children". Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes sodium nitrite, starting with meat binder and curing preparations for preserved meat.

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