Sodium nitrite, primarily employed as a preservative and colorant in processed meats like ham, has been identified as a substance posing a risk for suicide. (Image courtesy of Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – Sodium nitrite, primarily employed as a preservative and colorant in processed meats like ham, has been identified as a substance posing a risk for suicide. This classification stems from instances of sodium nitrite misuse as a tool for self-harm in recent years.
On December 18, the Ministry of Health and Welfare declared its intention to amend the Notification on Suicide Hazardous Goods. This involves adding sodium nitrite and other substances categorized as “agents causing poisoning effects not otherwise classified by antidotes and chelating agents” to the list of materials deemed hazardous for suicide.
Sodium nitrite serves various purposes, including inhibiting the growth of foodborne bacteria in processed meat, providing antioxidant effects, and enhancing flavor. Globally, it has long been added in minimal amounts to processed meat products. In Korea, it is rigorously regulated in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, ensuring it can be consumed safely.
The proposed amendment specifically targets situations where sodium nitrite is included in ‘suicide drugs,’ ‘euthanasia drugs,’ and ‘suicide kits,’ as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
A government official explained that sodium nitrite is sometimes procured independently from foreign sources, and there have been documented cases in which it was imported illicitly. However, the official emphasized that the amounts used in food are safe for consumption.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, suicides resulting from sodium nitrite poisoning rose from zero in 2017 to 46 in 2021. This method has also been reported in Australia and Japan. A mere 4 to 6 grams of sodium nitrite can be lethal.
Distributing a substance designated as a suicide hazard through information and communication networks with the intent of causing harm carries criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.
In cases where it is evident that an individual is actively pursuing suicide, such as attempting to buy a hazardous item online or expressing an intention to do so, emergency rescue services, including the police and fire departments, will be mobilized through location identification.
The Notification on Suicide Hazardous Items, enacted in January 2020, delineates items frequently used or at risk of being used for self-harm. Any amendments to the notification will be finalized after thorough deliberation and resolution by the Suicide Prevention Policy Committee chaired by the Prime Minister.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
