Comparing E222 - Sodium bisulphite vs E226 - Calcium sulphite

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Overview

E222 - Sodium bisulphite

Sodium bisulphite (E222) is a sulfiting agent used as a preservative and antioxidant to keep foods and drinks stable and fresh. It helps slow browning and oxidation in products like wine, dried fruit, and some seafood, but a small number of people are sensitive to sulfites, especially some with asthma. It is also spelled sodium bisulfite; both names refer to the same ingredient.

E226 - Calcium sulphite

Calcium sulphite (E226) is a preservative from the sulfite family. It helps stop browning and slows the growth of microbes by releasing small amounts of sulfur dioxide. Some people, especially a few with asthma, can be sensitive to sulfites, so labels matter for them.

Synonyms

E222

Sodium bisulphite

Sodium bisulfite

E226

Calcium sulphite

Calcium sulfite

Functions

antioxidant preservative

Origins

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 1,804 products

Found in 8 products

Search rank & volume

#2024K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#341350 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.33

under-aware

×4.32

over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Is sodium bisulfite bad for you?
At approved food-use levels, sodium bisulfite (E222) is considered safe; regulators set a group ADI of 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight expressed as SO2. However, sulfite‑sensitive people—especially some asthmatics—may experience reactions like wheezing, hives, or headaches and should avoid it.
What is sodium bisulfite used for?
It’s an antioxidant and preservative that prevents browning and oxidation and helps control microbes, commonly used in products like wines, dried fruits, shrimp, and cut potatoes.
What is sodium bisulfite in food?
It’s a sulfiting agent (E222) that releases sulfur dioxide to protect color and flavor and extend shelf life; it must be declared on labels when present above about 10 ppm (as SO2).
How much sodium bisulfite to neutralize chlorine?
Approximately 1.5 mg of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) is needed per 1 mg of free chlorine (as Cl2) per liter, stoichiometrically. In practice use a slight excess and confirm with a chlorine test; the reaction releases heat and SO2, so handle carefully.
Is sodium bisulfite gluten free?
Yes—sodium bisulfite is a synthetic mineral salt and contains no gluten; any gluten risk would come from other ingredients, not the additive itself.