E226 · Calcium sulfite
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Better avoided
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E226?
Calcium sulfite is a sulfite preservative and antioxidant used mainly to prevent browning and microbial spoilage, and occasionally as a bleaching aid in sugar processing. Like other sulfites (E220-E228), it releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) as its active preservative agent. Regulators set strict maximum use levels, and labelling is required when total sulfites reach 10 mg/kg or more, because a subset of consumers -- especially some people with asthma -- can react to it.
Also appears on labels as: E226, E 226, E-226, Calcium sulfite, Calcium sulphite, INS 226, CaSO3, Calcium salt of sulfurous acid, Food preservative 226, Preservative calcium sulfite, Sulfurous acid calcium salt, Kalcio sulfitas.
What the evidence says
- Sulfite sensitivity in some individuals (can trigger flushing, hives, or wheezing), particularly in some people with asthma.
- Regulatory group ADI exists for total sulfite intake; heavy consumers of sulfited foods should be mindful of cumulative exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Is E226 safe?
Our overall verdict for E226 (Calcium sulfite) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: better avoided; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E226 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium sulfite — 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 E226 and why is it used?
Calcium sulfite is a sulfite preservative and antioxidant used mainly to prevent browning and microbial spoilage, and occasionally as a bleaching aid in sugar processing. Like other sulfites (E220-E228), it releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) as its active preservative agent. Regulators set strict maximum use levels, and labelling is required when total sulfites reach 10 mg/kg or more, because a subset of consumers -- especially some people with asthma -- can react to it.
Does E226 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium sulfite, 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.