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Sodium Metabisulphite (E223) — What You Need to Know

Caution(5/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Sodium Metabisulphite?

Sodium metabisulphite is the most widely used sulphite preservative in the food industry. It readily releases sulphur dioxide (SO2) in solution, providing potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is extensively used in winemaking, dried fruit production, and seafood processing to prevent browning and microbial spoilage.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a preservative and antioxidant in winemaking, dried fruit processing, and seafood preservation. Prevents enzymatic browning and inhibits the growth of undesirable microorganisms in a wide range of food and beverage products.

Function: Preservative, antioxidant, bleaching agent

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.7 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (with labeling requirements)
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized — group ADI as SO2 for all sulphites (E220–E228)
⚠️ Key Concerns

The most widely used sulphite preservative. Releases SO2 in solution, which is the active antimicrobial agent. Same sulphite sensitivity concerns — can trigger severe bronchospasm in asthmatics. EFSA 2016 re-evaluation noted that high consumers, especially children, may exceed the group ADI. Mandatory allergen labeling in EU (Annex II of Regulation 1169/2011) when exceeding 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L as SO2.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Sodium Metabisulphite an editorial context label of Caution with a score of 5/10. This is 0.7 points below the database average for preservatives (5.7/10). Dataset reference year: 2016.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

WineBeerDried fruitsShrimpSausagesFruit juice concentrates
Example brands:
Robert MondaviYellow TailBarefoot Wine

Always check the label for E223 or 'Sodium Metabisulphite'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: Na2S2O5
Molecular Weight: 190.1 g/mol
CAS Number: 7681-57-4
INS Number: 223
Also known as: E223, INS 223, Sodium metabisulfite, Sodium pyrosulfite, Disodium disulfite

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Metabisulphite

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (with labeling requirements); EFSA/EU — Authorized — group ADI as SO2 for all sulphites (E220–E228). Reported concerns: The most widely used sulphite preservative. Releases SO2 in solution, which is the active antimicrobial agent. Same sulphite sensitivity concerns — can trigger severe bronchospasm in asthmatics. EFSA 2016 re-evaluation noted that high consumers, especially children, may exceed the group ADI. Mandatory allergen labeling in EU (Annex II of Regulation 1169/2011) when exceeding 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L as SO2. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E223
INS Number
223
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
GRAS (with labeling requirements)
EFSA Status
Authorized — group ADI as SO2 for all sulphites (E220–E228)
ADI
0.7 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2016
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other preservatives in the same family

Sulfur Dioxide (E220)Sodium Sulphite (E221)Potassium Metabisulphite (E224)