E-code guide
E252Potassium Nitrate
DoubtfulPreservative
E252

Potassium Nitrate

Preservative

Also known as Nitrate de Potassium

SANHA and MUIS classify as doubtful; JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies as halal.
Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record
2say Doubtful1says Halal
Saying Doubtful2 of 3
2
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Naturally occurring mineral. May also be artificially produced from vegetable material and waste animal.
Saying Halal1 of 3

Why this verdict

E252 is potassium nitrate (saltpetre), a curing agent used in dry-cured meats, some cheeses, and charcuterie. SANHA classifies E252 as Mushbooh. JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies E252 as halal. MUIS marks E252 as syubhah, noting it is a naturally occurring mineral that may also be produced from vegetable material and waste animal. With the source unconfirmed on the label, E252 is doubtful by default.

Common questions

Is E252 halal?

Potassium Nitrate (E252) is classified doubtful. SANHA and MUIS classify it as doubtful; JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies it as halal.

What is E252 made from?

Potassium Nitrate (E252) is a mineral.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.