E223 · Sodium metabisulfite
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E223?
Sodium metabisulfite (chemical formula Na2S2O5) is a sulfite preservative used to keep dried fruits, wine, and some fruit juices from browning and spoiling. Like other sulfites, it works by releasing sulfur dioxide (SO2), which fights oxidation and microbial growth. It's approved for food use within set limits by the FDA and EFSA. A small share of the population, including some people with asthma, can experience allergic-type reactions to sulfites, so foods containing it above a threshold must be labelled.
Also appears on labels as: Sodium metabisulfite, E223, E 223, E-223, INS 223, Food additive 223, Disodium disulfite, Sodium pyrosulfite, Disodium metabisulphite, Sodium metabisulphite, Disodium pyrosulfite, SMBS.
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.
Research behind the verdict
- Sodium Metabisulphite (E223) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2016). Widely used sulphite; EFSA ADI 0.7 mg/kg bw/day; safe within ADI; can trigger asthma or allergies in sensitive groups.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E223 safe?
Our overall verdict for E223 (Sodium metabisulfite) 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 E223 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sodium metabisulfite — 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 E223 and why is it used?
Sodium metabisulfite (chemical formula Na2S2O5) is a sulfite preservative used to keep dried fruits, wine, and some fruit juices from browning and spoiling. Like other sulfites, it works by releasing sulfur dioxide (SO2), which fights oxidation and microbial growth. It's approved for food use within set limits by the FDA and EFSA. A small share of the population, including some people with asthma, can experience allergic-type reactions to sulfites, so foods containing it above a threshold must be labelled.
Does E223 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sodium metabisulfite, 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.