Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfites

Also known as: Sulfites, SO2, Sodium sulfite, Sodium bisulfite, Sodium metabisulfite

Preservative / Antioxidant · E220-228

Regulatory Status

United States (FDA)

Approved

FDA-approved. Banned on raw fruits/vegetables since 1986 (salad bar deaths). Must be declared if >10 ppm. Major allergen.

European Union (EFSA)

Approved

Approved in EU with mandatory labeling at >10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L. Listed as allergen under EU Food Information Regulation.

Safety Profile

Safe for most people. DANGEROUS for sulfite-sensitive individuals, especially asthmatics. Both US and EU require declaration. US banned sulfites on raw produce after multiple deaths.

Health Concerns

• Life-threatening reactions in sulfite-sensitive asthmatics (~1% of population)
• FDA received reports of deaths from sulfite exposure in the 1980s
• Mandatory labeling in both US and EU

Commonly Found In

WineDried fruitsShrimpProcessed potatoesBeer

Sources: FDA Substances Added to Food, EFSA opinions, EU Regulation 1333/2008, IARC monographs

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.