E222 · Sodium bisulfite
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E222?
Sodium bisulfite (chemical formula NaHSO3) is a sulfite preservative and antioxidant used mainly in wine, dried fruits, and some processed foods to stop browning and inhibit spoilage microbes. It works by releasing sulfur dioxide (SO2), the same active agent found in other sulfite additives. It's approved as safe for food use within regulated limits by both the FDA and EFSA. A minority of people, particularly some with asthma, are sensitive to sulfites and can react to even small residual amounts.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium bisulfite, Sodium bisulphite, NaHSO3, Food grade sodium bisulfite, Sodium bisulfite powder, Sodium bisulfite solution, Additivo alimentare sodium bisulfite, Additif alimentaire sodium bisulfite, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff sodium bisulfite, Sodium hydrogen sulfite, Sodium hydrogen sulfoxide, Synthetic sodium bisulfite.
What the evidence says
- Can trigger reactions (flushing, hives, wheezing, or in rare severe cases anaphylactoid symptoms) in sulfite-sensitive individuals, especially some people with asthma.
- EU/EFSA and FDA require allergen labelling when total sulfur dioxide residues are 10 mg/kg or more.
- Not typically a concern for the general population at approved food-use levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E222 safe?
Our overall verdict for E222 (Sodium bisulfite) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E222 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium bisulfite — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E222 and why is it used?
Sodium bisulfite (chemical formula NaHSO3) is a sulfite preservative and antioxidant used mainly in wine, dried fruits, and some processed foods to stop browning and inhibit spoilage microbes. It works by releasing sulfur dioxide (SO2), the same active agent found in other sulfite additives. It's approved as safe for food use within regulated limits by both the FDA and EFSA. A minority of people, particularly some with asthma, are sensitive to sulfites and can react to even small residual amounts.
Does E222 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium bisulfite, though some people report sensitivity (sulfites).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.