What the law says about sulphites
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are one of the 14 allergens in Regulation (EU) 1169/2011. Unlike the other 13, they only have to be declared above a threshold.
Annex II sets that threshold at 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, expressed as total SO₂, for the product as eaten or as reconstituted following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Below it, a product can contain sulphites without naming them. A label with no sulphites on it does not mean zero sulphites, only that they stay under the threshold.
When they are declared, they must stand out in the ingredient list, usually in bold, like every allergen.
The names and E-numbers to recognise
In the list, sulphites usually appear as a preservative or an antioxidant, by name or by E-number.
E220 sulphur dioxide, E221 sodium sulphite, E222 sodium hydrogen sulphite, E223 sodium metabisulphite, E224 potassium metabisulphite, E226 calcium sulphite, E227 calcium hydrogen sulphite, E228 potassium hydrogen sulphite. E225 is not authorised in the EU.
Metabisulphite is also written “pyrosulphite” or “disulphite”: the same substance under another name. Greek labels often print the number with a Greek «Ε».
Sulphite ammonia caramel (E150d) and caustic sulphite caramel (E150b) are colours. The word “sulphite” describes how they are made and is not a sulphite declaration.
Where you will find them
Sulphites stop browning and spoilage, so they turn up wherever colour and keeping matter.
Wine, beer and cider. Drinks over 1.2% alcohol do not always need an ingredient list, but the allergen still has to be stated, which is why wine says “Contains sulphites”.
Dried fruit, especially pale apricots and golden raisins. Also vinegar, pickles, prepared potato products and some processed meats.
And where you might not expect them: we have seen sodium or potassium metabisulphite listed as an antioxidant on packs of cooked shrimp and in ready-made canned meals.
How Ingredo.app reads it with the Sulphites allergen
Add “Sulphites” under Me → Conditions & allergies. The app reads the names and E-numbers in the text of the list, and any sulphites the source itself declares.
Hard block
- Sulphites, sulphur dioxide, and sodium or potassium metabisulphite, pyrosulphite or bisulphite.
- E220 to E228, whether written with a Latin E or a Greek Ε.
Caution
- “May contain traces of sulphites”: flagged as a caution, not a block, because it does not declare an ingredient.
- Amounts under 10 mg/kg are not on the label, so the app cannot see them either.
- For many wines we have no ingredient list. The product is then not rated, and the bottle’s own label is the only source.
Not counted as sulphites
- Phrases such as “sulphite-free” or “no sulphites”.
- Sulphite ammonia caramel (E150d) and caustic sulphite caramel (E150b).
Frequently asked questions
When they exceed 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, expressed as total SO₂, in the product as eaten. Below that threshold declaring them is not required.
Drinks over 1.2% alcohol do not always need an ingredient list, but an allergen must still be stated, using the word “Contains” followed by its name.
E220, E221, E222, E223, E224, E226, E227 and E228. They are used as preservatives and antioxidants.
EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake, though its 2016 re-evaluation noted that the data were limited. In sulphite-sensitive people, most often people with asthma, they can trigger wheezing and other asthma symptoms.