Allervibe
E222
Sodium bisulphite
The sodium salt of hydrogen sulphite, supplied as an aqueous solution and used as a preservative and antioxidant.
i Additive Details
| Is E222 Sodium bisulphite safe?
Sulphites are one of the 14 allergens that must be declared under EU Regulation 1169/2011 whenever they are present above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre expressed as SO2. Sulphite sensitivity is well documented in people with asthma, who may react with wheezing, chest tightness or bronchospasm. Most sulphite reactions are intolerance rather than classical IgE-mediated allergy, although rare IgE-mediated cases have been reported. Because it is used as an acidic solution it releases sulphur dioxide readily, and residues in the finished food are declared as sulphites in the same way as any other member of the group.
| Uses
Prevents browning, oxidation and microbial spoilage, and is dosed as a liquid, which suits continuous processing lines. Used in fruit juices and concentrates, sugar refining, processed potato products, dried fruit and vegetables, and in wine and other fermented drinks. The EU specification defines E222 as an aqueous solution rather than a dry powder.
| Interactions
The bisulphite ion is the active species and adds to aldehydes and ketones to form hydroxysulphonates. That is why it stops browning, but also why it slowly destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). Its solutions are acidic and give off sulphur dioxide as the pH falls further, and sulphites also react with ascorbic acid and with anthocyanin pigments, so vitamin C content and colour can shift over shelf life.
| Origin
Made by passing sulphur dioxide through a solution of sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide until sodium hydrogen sulphite forms. It is supplied and used as a solution because the dry salt is unstable and tends to convert to sodium metabisulphite.
| Daily Intake
A group ADI of 0.7 mg per kg of body weight per day, expressed as SO2, applies jointly to E220 to E228 rather than to each salt individually. EFSA's 2022 follow-up to its re-evaluation of the group concluded that the available data are not sufficient to confirm the ADI and that estimated intake can exceed it in some consumer groups.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
Related additives
- E1105 Lysozyme An enzyme isolated from hen egg white that breaks down the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria.
- E221 Sodium sulphite A soluble sodium salt of sulphurous acid used as a preservative and antioxidant.
- E223 Sodium metabisulphite A white crystalline salt that releases sulphur dioxide in water and is the most widely used sulphite preservative.
- E224 Potassium metabisulphite The potassium form of metabisulphite, used mainly as a preservative and antioxidant in wine and cider.
- E226 Calcium sulphite A calcium salt of sulphurous acid with low water solubility, used as a preservative and antioxidant.
- E227 Calcium bisulphite A calcium sulphite that exists only in solution, used as a preservative and antioxidant.
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