Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (E220 to E228) are preservatives used in dried fruit, wine and some juices and sausages.
- Used in
- Food ingredient
- Role
- Preservative
- E-number
- E220 · E221 · E222 · E223 · E224 · E226 · E228 · E227
Other names IngrediLens checks with this entry
The app's database groups these label names, including names used on labels in other European languages, with sulphur dioxide and sulphites. Some are true synonyms, others are close relatives with the same allergen or concern.
Contains / relevant to
- Sulfites: Relevant to people avoiding sulfites. Sulfur dioxide and sulfite preservatives (E220–E228).
What to look for on labels
- EU and UK labels must declare sulphur dioxide and sulphites above 10 mg per kg or litre; US labels must declare sulfites at 10 ppm or more.
- In the EU it can also appear as E220, E221, E222, E223, E224, E226, E228 or E227.
Related
- WineWine is a fermented grape drink that contains alcohol and often sulphites.
- Potassium metabisulfitePotassium metabisulfite is a sulphite used as a preservative and antioxidant in foods (E224) and in some…
- E220: Sulphur dioxideE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E221: Sodium sulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E222: Sodium hydrogen sulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E223: Sodium metabisulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E224: Potassium metabisulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E226: Calcium sulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E228: Potassium hydrogen sulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- E227: Calcium hydrogen sulphiteE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- The 14 EU allergens: full list with examplesGuide
- E-numbers explained: what food label codes meanGuide
- How to read allergen labels on food (EU, UK and US)Guide
Sources
Sulfites above 10 mg/kg must be declared as an allergen in the EU and US.
- EU Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information, Annex II (allergens)
- US 21 CFR 101.100(a)(4) (sulfite declaration)
- IngrediLens ingredient database (names, flags and notes shown on this page)
Label information, not medical advice. This page describes how an ingredient is named and labelled and how IngrediLens flags it; it cannot tell you whether a product is safe for you. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor, allergist or dermatologist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
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