Sulphites are a family of preservatives and antioxidants built around sulphur dioxide. On UK labels they may appear as sulphur dioxide, sulphites, a chemical name such as sodium metabisulphite, or an E-number from E220 to E228.
E220 · E221 · E222 · E223 · E224
9 linked additive entriesSulphites are a family of preservatives and antioxidants built around sulphur dioxide. On UK labels they may appear as sulphur dioxide, sulphites, a chemical name such as sodium metabisulphite, or an E-number from E220 to E228.
The important threshold is a labelling threshold, not a promise that lower levels are risk-free for every person. FSA guidance requires a clear sulphur dioxide or sulphites declaration when the finished food contains more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, calculated as total sulphur dioxide. Carry-over from another ingredient can count too.
E220 is sulphur dioxide itself. E221 to E228 are sodium, potassium or calcium sulphites, hydrogen sulphites and metabisulphites that can release sulphur dioxide in food. The different codes matter because the pack must identify the substance actually used; “sulphites” is a useful family name, not a substitute for every formulation detail.
Dried fruit, wine, cider, beer, pickled foods and some potato products are common contexts, but a category list cannot establish what is in a particular pack. Recipes and processing aids change. Read the current ingredients and allergen emphasis, especially if avoiding sulphites for a diagnosed allergy or sensitivity.
NutraSafe treats jurisdiction separately. Great Britain uses the FSA authorisations register; Northern Ireland can follow a different route for applicable EU food law. The approved-additives list is a starting directory, while the register and conditions of use determine where and how an additive may be used.
9 entries, linked to the full evidence page
What it is: A gas made by burning sulphur. It preserves food and heads the sulphite group, E220 to E228.
What it does: It stops cut fruit and veg going brown. It holds back the yeasts, moulds and bacteria that spoil food.
Where you may see it: Dried apricots and pale dried fruit carry the most. Then wine, cider, beer and pickles. Labelled sulphites, sulphur dioxide or E220 to E228.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite preservative. It releases sulphur dioxide gas into the food it goes into.
What it does: It releases sulphur dioxide. That stops browning and kills spoilage bacteria, yeasts and moulds.
Where you may see it: Dried apricots, raisins and sultanas, wine and beer, fruit juice, prawns, instant mash and pickles. Labelled sulphites or E221.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite salt that releases sulphur dioxide into food to stop it spoiling.
What it does: Kills yeasts, moulds and bacteria, and stops cut fruit and veg browning.
Where you may see it: Dried apricots and raisins, wine, beer and cider, some burgers and sausages, and packet potato. Label: sulphites or E222.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A man-made sulphite preservative. It works by giving off sulphur dioxide gas into the food.
What it does: The sulphur dioxide kills bacteria, yeasts and moulds. It stops cut fruit browning and holds colour in dried fruit.
Where you may see it: Dried apricots and other bright dried fruit, wine, cider, beer, pickled onions and prawns. Labelled sodium metabisulphite or E223, in bold.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite preservative. It releases sulphur dioxide into the food or drink it goes into.
What it does: The sulphur dioxide it gives off stops bacteria, yeasts and moulds growing. It also stops food browning.
Where you may see it: Wine, cider, beer and fruit juice, dried apricots and sultanas, chips, pickles and jams. Labelled contains sulphites.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite salt of potassium. It carries an international number but is not permitted in UK or EU food.
What it does: Like other sulphites it would give off sulphur dioxide. That stops microbes growing and keeps cut fruit from browning.
Where you may see it: It should not appear on a UK or EU label. The permitted sulphites are E220 to E224 and E226 to E228.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite preservative that gives off sulphur dioxide when it meets heat or stomach acid. That gas does the work.
What it does: The gas it gives off jams the enzymes bacteria and mould need to breed. It mops up oxygen so cut fruit does not brown.
Where you may see it: Dried apricots, raisins and figs, fruit juice, cider, tinned vegetables and some processed foods. Labels must declare sulphites.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite salt of calcium, also called calcium bisulphite. It gives off sulphur dioxide in food.
What it does: The sulphur dioxide it gives off kills or slows bacteria, yeast and mould. It also stops cut fruit browning.
Where you may see it: Tinned and bottled vegetables, brined cherries, beer casks, fruit juice, pickles and some dried fruit. Labels must declare sulphites.
Read evidence and sourcesWhat it is: A sulphite salt of potassium, also called potassium bisulphite. It gives off sulphur dioxide in food.
What it does: The sulphur dioxide it gives off stops microbes and blocks browning. In wine it holds off a second ferment.
Where you may see it: Wine, cider and beer, dried apricots, raisins and sultanas, and pre-cut produce. Labels must declare sulphites.
Read evidence and sourcesThe table summarises fields from NutraSafe’s reviewed additive records. “Check” is deliberate: a code can identify the substance without revealing every feedstock, processing aid or certification decision.
| Code | Additive | Source note | Dietary source check |
|---|---|---|---|
| E220 | Sulphur dioxide | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E221 | Sodium sulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E222 | Sodium hydrogen sulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E223 | Sodium metabisulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E224 | Potassium metabisulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E225 | Potassium sulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E226 | Calcium sulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E227 | Calcium hydrogen sulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
| E228 | Potassium hydrogen sulphite | synthetic | Vegan: listed as suitable; Halal: check source/certification |
Jurisdiction note: Great Britain’s electronic register is the official public list for GB authorisations from 1 April 2025. Northern Ireland and EU positions can differ. Presence in NutraSafe’s reference library is not a claim of unrestricted current authorisation in every jurisdiction or food.
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are within the UK allergen rules when present above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre in the finished food or drink.
Yes. Sodium metabisulphite is the name and E223 is its additive code.
Not necessarily. The declaration may use sulphur dioxide, sulphites or another compliant form rather than the E-number alone.
The family explanation uses current official UK regulatory and labelling material, relevant FSA or EFSA topic evidence, and specialist dietary guidance where stated. Additive-specific claims remain on the linked detail entries.
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