Meat preservative added to list of ‘suicide hazardous materials’ in South Korea

Sodium nitrite is commonly found in sausages and other processed meats as a preservative. - UNSPLASH

SEOUL: Sodium nitrite, commonly found in sausages and other processed meats as a preservative, has recently been added to the list of “suicide hazardous materials” in South Korea as the country seeks to address increasing instances in which this food additive was used for self-harm.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the listing blocks the online sale and distribution of the white powdery substance, which can be lethal in doses as small as 4g to 6g, for suicide purposes.