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Typical source

Synthetic/mineral

Plain-language explanation

Sodium nitrite (E250) is a salt used to preserve cured meats like bacon and ham, preventing bacterial growth and giving them a pink color. It is typically produced synthetically from sodium nitrate, which is considered halal by major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS. However, its halal status depends entirely on the meat it is used in, as it cannot make pork or other non-halal products permissible. Therefore, sodium nitrite itself is halal, but the final food product must be verified.