Comparing E220 - Sulphur dioxide vs E330 - Citric acid
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Found in 1,996 products
Found in 95,503 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is sulfur dioxide bad for you?
At high concentrations as a gas, sulfur dioxide is harmful and irritates the eyes and lungs; in foods at regulated levels (E220) it’s considered safe for most people. Some individuals—especially those with asthma or sulfite sensitivity—may experience reactions such as wheezing, hives, or stomach upset.
Is sulfur dioxide in food bad for you?
Within legal limits, sulfites (including SO2, E220) are approved preservatives and generally safe for the general population. They must be declared at ≥10 mg/kg or L, and sensitive individuals can react; most people stay below the accepted daily intake (about 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight), though heavy consumers of sulfited foods may approach or exceed it.
What is sulfur dioxide used for?
It’s an antioxidant and preservative that prevents browning and inhibits microbes to extend shelf life. Common uses include wines, ciders, dried fruits, fruit juices, and some pickled or processed foods.
Where does sulfur dioxide come from?
Food-grade sulfur dioxide is produced industrially by burning sulfur or processing sulfur‑containing ores, and small amounts can also form during fermentation. It also occurs naturally from volcanic emissions, but the additive used in foods is manufactured and added in controlled amounts.
Is sulfur dioxide in dried fruit bad for you?
It preserves color and prevents spoilage in dried fruit and is considered safe at permitted levels, but can trigger reactions in sulfite‑sensitive people, especially some asthmatics. If you’re sensitive, choose “unsulphured” dried fruit; rinsing may reduce surface residues but won’t remove all sulfites.
Is citric acid bad for you?
At typical food levels, citric acid (E330) is considered safe by major regulators (GRAS; EFSA/JECFA). Concentrated or frequent acidic exposure can irritate the mouth/stomach or contribute to tooth enamel erosion.
Where does the citric acid cycle occur?
In eukaryotic cells it occurs in the mitochondrial matrix; in bacteria it occurs in the cytosol.
What does citric acid do to your body?
It is a normal intermediate in energy metabolism and is readily metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. Citrate can bind minerals, which may enhance absorption of some and help prevent certain kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate.
Where does citric acid come from?
It occurs naturally in citrus fruits, but most food-grade citric acid is produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, beet, or cane) with Aspergillus niger.
How is citric acid made?
Industrially, sugars are fermented with Aspergillus niger to produce citric acid, then it is recovered and purified—often by precipitating calcium citrate and converting it back with sulfuric acid or via ion-exchange/crystallization.