Nitrosyl chloride

Food additives Europe numbers: E919 

Nitrosyl chloride isn't a common food excipient, and its use in food processing is likely prohibited due to safety concerns. Here's why:

• Antimicrobial Properties: Nitrosyl chloride does have some antimicrobial properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of bacteria or other microbes. This might seem like a desirable trait for a food preservative.
• Safety Concerns: However, nitrosyl chloride is a potent germicide and can be toxic if ingested even in small amounts. Regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) likely wouldn't approve its use in food due to these safety risks.

There's a chance you might encounter nitrosyl chloride in a different context:

• Industrial Applications: Nitrosyl chloride has industrial applications as a disinfectant or fumigant. It may be used to sterilize equipment or treat some medical instruments.

Overall, it's highly unlikely that nitrosyl chloride is an approved food excipient. If you come across a reference to it in a food context, it's best to treat it with caution and avoid consuming the food product. You can search for more information about the specific food item and nitrosyl chloride to see if there have been any safety warnings or recalls.