Comparing E222 - Sodium bisulphite vs E330 - Citric acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 1,804 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 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.
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.