FOOD ADDITIVE

E220

Sulfur Dioxide

Most complete information about food additive Sulfur Dioxide (E220) - What is it? Is it harmful to health?

E220 (Sulfur Dioxide) - Gaseous preservative and antioxidant to inhibit microorganism growth and prevent food darkening
консервант • Preservative • Antioxidant • Bleaching agent • Wide use in winemaking
✓ Approved with restrictions, EFSA reviewing norms towards tightening
CN: Approved in China with restrictions for certain food categories EU: Approved by European Food Safety Authority with established maximum levels JP: Approved in Japan as food additive with mandatory composition indication RU: Approved with mandatory "contains sulfites" labeling according to TR CU 029/2012 US: FDA GRAS status with concentration restrictions in different food products

Sulfur Dioxide (E220) - Gaseous Preservative

Sulfur dioxide is one of the oldest and most effective preservatives, widely used in food industry. Especially important in winemaking to prevent oxidation and microbial spoilage. Requires careful application due to potential allergic reactions.

🌿
ORIGIN
plant
Chemical synthesis
⚕️
SAFETY
ограничена
Limited safety
👶
FOR CHILDREN
Limited approval
Not recommended for asthmatic children
🤰
PREGNANCY
Limited approval
With caution, in minimal amounts

📊 Daily Intake Norm (ADI)

0.70 mg/kg
Established Daily Dose
According to JECFA/EFSA
49 mg
Maximum for 70 kg person
Safe Amount per Day

⚡

✅ :

  • Effectively prevents growth of bacteria, yeast and mold
  • Protects foods from oxidation and darkening
  • Extends product shelf life

⚠️ :

  • May cause severe allergic reactions in asthmatics
  • Destroys vitamin B1 in foods
  • High concentrations toxic to respiratory system

💊 :

Asthma treatment medications: (dangerous) - May provoke bronchospasm and worsen asthma symptoms
Vitamin complexes with B1: (moderate) - Reduces effectiveness of vitamin B1
Antihistamine drugs: (mild) - May reduce effectiveness for allergic reactions

🔬 Chemical Properties

Formula: SO₂
Molar Mass: 64.0638 g/mol
Appearance:
Solubility:
CAS Number: 7446-09-5
Melting Point: -75.5°C
Quality Standards:

🏷️ Identification in Ingredients

Look on Package For:

E220 Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur DioxideSulfurous acid gasSO₂Sulfites

Commonly Found In:

  • Wines and wine products (up to 200 mg/l for dry wines)
  • Dried fruits (raisins, apricots) (up to 1000 mg/kg)
  • Fruit juices and purees (up to 50 mg/kg)
  • Vegetable preserves (up to 100 mg/kg)
  • Beer and malt (up to 50 mg/kg)

📊 Comparison with other colorants

Code
Name
Origin
Safety
Action
E220
Sulfur Dioxide
synthetic
restricted
E221
Details
E223
Details
E224
Details

🎯 Consumption Simulator E220

Estimate your daily intake of sulfur dioxide through various food products

0 mg
Current Consumption sulfur dioxide
Optimal Level
Optimal
Normal
Excess
0 mg 25 mg 49 mg

Explanation: Exceeding the norm established by EFSA does not mean immediate harm, but is recommended for safe regular consumption.

Select products you consumed today:

📊Personal Norm Calculation

Daily Intake Norm: up to 0.70 mg per kg body weight

Recommended Maximum: 49 mg for 70 kg person

*Calculations are for reference only

*Actual content depends on manufacturer

📚 Scientific Research

EFSA - Scientific opinion on the safety of sulfur dioxide as a food additive

EFSA Journal

↗ Open Research
WHO - Risk assessment of sulfur dioxide in foods

JECFA

↗ Open Research
Study of sulfite effects on asthmatics

Clinical Allergy

↗ Open Research

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about E220

Is sulfur dioxide harmful to health?

+ -
E220 can be harmful to asthmatics and people with increased sensitivity. Safe for most people when consumption norms are followed.

Why is there sulfur dioxide in wine?

+ -
Sulfur dioxide prevents wine oxidation, stops fermentation and protects against microbial spoilage.

How to remove sulfur dioxide from dried fruits?

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Soak dried fruits in warm water for 30-60 minutes, changing water several times. This significantly reduces E220 content.

Which products contain sulfur dioxide?

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Wines, dried fruits, fruit juices, jams, vegetable preserves, beer and some meat products.

Can E220 be given to children and pregnant women?

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Children and pregnant women are recommended to limit consumption of products with E220, especially if prone to allergies.

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