Allervibe
E228
Potassium bisulphite
A potassium sulphite supplied as an aqueous solution and used as a preservative and antioxidant.
i Additive Details
| Is E228 Potassium 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. Its main dietary route is wine and fruit juice, and a sulphites declaration becomes mandatory once the SO2 content passes 10 mg/litre.
| Uses
Used in winemaking, in fruit juices and concentrates and in some processed fruit and vegetable products, where a liquid sulphite is easier to dose accurately than a powder. It supplies potassium rather than sodium, which matters in wine because sodium affects taste. The EU specification defines it as a solution of stated sulphur dioxide strength rather than a crystalline salt.
| Interactions
The bisulphite ion binds acetaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds, so part of what is added becomes bound and no longer works as a preservative. It prevents oxidation and browning but also destroys thiamine (vitamin B1) and can temporarily lighten anthocyanin colour. Its solutions release sulphur dioxide gas as the pH falls.
| Origin
Made by saturating a potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide solution with sulphur dioxide. It is kept as a solution because the dry salt is unstable and converts to potassium 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
- 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.
- E210 Benzoic acid A weak organic acid used as a preservative against yeasts, moulds and some bacteria in acidic foods.
- E212 Potassium benzoate The potassium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in acidic foods and drinks.
- E213 Calcium benzoate The calcium salt of benzoic acid, a preservative for acidic foods and beverages.
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