Sodium nitrite is sometimes used for homicide and for suicide attempts. Since 2019, eBay prohibits globally the sale of sodium nitrite as a chemical.
Is sodium nitrite banned?
Sodium nitrite was developed during the 1960s. In 1977, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) considered banning it but the USDA's final ruling on the additive came out in 1984, allowing its use.