Potasyum nitrat

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A curing salt used as a preservative in processed meat (potassium nitrate); it prevents the botulism bacterium and fixes colour. Its source is mineral/chemical, not animal.

Where it is used

Used for curing in processed meats such as sucuk, salami, sausage, pastirma and ham.

Health note

At high temperature or in the stomach it can convert into carcinogenic nitrosamines; the link between processed meat and cancer has also been highlighted by the World Health Organization. It calls for caution from the standpoint of the 'tayyib' (wholesome) principle.

Halal assessment

The additive itself is chemical and contains nothing animal. However, the product it is added to is meat, and whether that meat was slaughtered according to Islamic rules matters separately. It has been left as doubtful because of the health debate.