Contents
Potassium nitrate (Potassium nitrate, saltpetre, saltpeter, nitrate of potash, potassium nitrate, E252)
Potassium nitrate is called potassium nitrate, an inorganic substance with the chemical formula KNO3, registered as a food additive-preservative. In the international classification of food additives, potassium nitrate has an index of E252.
General Characteristics of Potassium Nitrate
Potassium nitrate usually looks like white powdery crystals, odorless. Potassium nitrate is freely soluble in water (calorizator). It has a high melting point, decomposes under strong heat, releases oxygen, which is dangerous. The raw material for the production of potassium Nitrate is potash, previously used wood ash or a mixture of limestone with manure.
Benefits and harms of E252
Potassium nitrate, being in food, spontaneously turns into potassium nitrite, which is dangerous for health. The substance suppresses oxygen in the blood, so with excessive or prolonged use of products that contain E252, anemia and an irregular pulse may occur, as well as the use of E252 can provoke the occurrence of kidney diseases, cause vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Contraindications to the use of potassium Nitrate are the age of up to 6 years, the presence of asthma and allergies to this substance.
Application of Potassium Nitrate
E252 is used in the food industry as a preservative in the production of cheeses, canned fish, sausages, sausages, bacon and other meat products, most often smoked.
In addition to the food industry, Potassium nitrate is used in the production of mineral fertilizers, glass blowing, the substance is an integral part of almost all types of gunpowder and many pyrotechnic mixtures. Often E252 can be seen in the composition of toothpastes for sensitive teeth.
Use of E252
On the territory of our country, it is allowed to use E252 Potassium Nitrate as a food additive-preservative, but in many countries E252 is included in a number of prohibited food additives due to its carcinogenic effect.