Sodium nitrite

What the evidence says

• IARC Group 2A (probably carcinogenic)Regulatory

  IARC classifies ingested nitrate or nitrite under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation as Group 2A; it classifies processed meat as Group 1. [1][2]

• Can form nitrosaminesRegulatory

  The EU lowered maximum levels in 2023 because nitrites and nitrates can lead to nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic; the new limits apply from October 9, 2025. [3]

• Low concernStrong evidence

  EFSA (2017) concluded that existing safe levels for added nitrites and nitrates are sufficiently protective, while noting nitrosamine formation; in 2023 it found overall nitrosamine exposure from food raises a health concern. [4][5]

Evidence tiers say how sure the evidence is, separately from how much it matters. About evidence tiers.

Rules around the world

“Banned” means explicitly prohibited or withdrawn after review; “not permitted” means never authorized there. We use each regulator’s own words.

Popular products that list sodium nitrite

185 of the 17,000 most-scanned products in the US with a GoodSwap page list sodium nitrite. The 12 most scanned:

• SPAM Classic Spam · 12 oz (340 g) Score 27 out of 100 Poor
• Steak Strips Kirkland Signature · 12 oz (340 g) Score 29 out of 100 Poor
• Spam 25% Less Sodium Spam · 12 oz Score 23 out of 100 Poor
• Vienna Sausage Libby's · 4.6 oz (130 g) Score 27 out of 100 Poor
• Jalapeno Beef Stick Chomps · 32 g Score 22 out of 100 Poor
• Beef Smoked Sausage Hillshire Farm Score 28 out of 100 Poor
• Smoked Snack Stick Slim Jim · 8 g Score 11 out of 100 Bad
• Italian – Style Dry, Salami Reduced Sodium Kirkland Signature · 16 oz Score 20 out of 100 Poor
• Turkey Pepperoni Hormel · 6 oz Score 21 out of 100 Poor
• Skinless Beef Franks Nathan's Famous · 12 oz/340 g Score 33 out of 100 Poor
• Turkey Bacon Original Oscar Mayer · 12 oz Score 21 out of 100 Poor
• Traditional Split Pea with Ham Soup Progresso · 538 g Score 23 out of 100 Poor

Diets and allergens

Vegan

Yes

Vegetarian

Yes

Gluten-free

Yes

For the ingredient in general. Always check the package: a product’s own labels win.