Sulphites (E220–E228)
Sulphites (E220 to E228) preserve food and drink and prevent browning. They can trigger asthma and other reactions in sensitive people. EU labels must name them as an allergen above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre.
What it is
They occur in wine, beer, dried fruit, fruit juice, some processed potato products and pickles. On labels they appear as sulphur dioxide, sulphites, bisulphites, metabisulphites or E220 to E228.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food |
|---|---|
| Adult | Medium |
| Child | Medium |
| Infant | Medium |
| Dog | High |
| Cat | High |
For people, the app notes hypersensitivity, especially in people with asthma, and gastric irritation. For dogs and cats it counts the risk as larger than for people, based on published veterinary evidence.
Basis of the ratings: ban, limit or official classification; published studies.
Possible concerns: Allergenic, Gastrointestinal.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (food), Child (food), Infant (food), Dog (food), Cat (food): Intrinsic hypersensitivity (esp. asthma) + gastric irritation.
Rules and use
Authorised in the EU. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are one of the 14 allergens when the product holds more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre. In 2016 EFSA set a temporary acceptable daily intake of 0.7 mg per kg body weight per day, as sulphur dioxide. In 2022 it withdrew that limit because the margin of exposure was too small at estimated intakes.
IARC classification: Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. IARC rates whether a substance can cause cancer in principle (hazard). It does not rate the risk at normal intake.
Read the guide: The 14 EU allergens on labels
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 1169/2011, Annex II: substances causing allergies
- Reg. (EU) 2023/1545: labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetics
- EFSA 2022: follow-up on sulfur dioxide and sulfites (E 220-228)
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.