Sulphur dioxide - sulphites

General Information

Chemical nameSulphur dioxide - sulphites
E No.E 220 - 228
GroupYes
Composition of the group Sulphur dioxide (E 220)
Sodium sulphite (E 221)
Sodium hydrogen sulphite (E 222)
Sodium metabisulphite (E 223)
Potassium metabisulphite (E 224)
Calcium sulphite (E 226)
Calcium hydrogen sulphite (E 227)
Potassium hydrogen sulphite (E 228)

From webgate.ec.europa.eu

Authorisation of the use of this additive in Food Additives

The additive is authorised to be used in the following category(ies):
category(ies) Individual restriction(s)/exception(s) footnote
  • Peeled, cut and shredded fruit and vegetables (4.1.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only peeled potatoes

  • ML = 300 mg/kg , only onion, garlic and shallot pulp

  • ML = 800 mg/kg , only horseradish pulp
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine (4.2.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 100 mg/kg , except olives and golden peppers in brine

  • ML = 500 mg/kg , only golden peppers in brine
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote (4.2.4.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only processed white vegetables and mushrooms

  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only rehydrated dried fruit and lychees, mostarda di frutta

  • ML = 300 mg/kg , only onion, garlic and shallot pulp

  • ML = 800 mg/kg , only horseradish pulp

  • ML = 800 mg/kg , only Jellying fruit extract, liquid pectin for sale to the final consumer
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC (4.2.5.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only jams, jellies and marmelades made with sulphited fruit
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC (4.2.5.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg

  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only jams, jellies and marmelades made with sulphited fruit
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Other similar fruit or vegetable spreads (4.2.5.3)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 (5.4)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only glucose syrup-based confectionery (carry over from the glucose syrup only)

  • ML = 40 mg/kg , only toppings (syrups for pancakes, flavoured syrups for milkshakes and ice cream; similar products)

  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only fruit fillings for pastries
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Whole, broken, or flaked grain (6.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 30 mg/kg , only sago and pearl barley
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Sugars and syrups as defined by Directive 2001/111/EC (11.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 10 mg/kg , only sugars, except glucose syrup

  • ML = 20 mg/kg , only glucose syrup, whether or not dehydrated
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Other sugars and syrups (11.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 40 mg/kg

  • ML = 70 mg/kg , only treacle and molasses
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Herbs and spices (12.2.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 150 mg/kg , only Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum ceylanicum )
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Seasonings and condiments (12.2.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 200 mg/kg , only citrus-juice-based seasonings
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) (12.3)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 170 mg/kg , only fermentation vinegar
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Mustard (12.4)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 250 mg/kg , excluding dijon mustard

  • ML = 500 mg/kg , only dijon mustard
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 (12.9)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 200 mg/kg , only analogues of meat, fish, crustaceans and cephalopods

  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only gelatine
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices (14.1.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 2000 mg/l , only concentrated grape juice for home wine-making

  • ML = 50 mg/l , only orange, grapefruit, apple and pineapple juice for bulk dispensing in catering establishments

  • ML = 350 mg/l , only lime and lemon juice

  • ML = 70 mg/l , only grape juice, unfermented, for sacramental use
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Beer and malt beverages (14.2.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 20 mg/l

  • ML = 50 mg/l , only beer with a second fermentation in the cask
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Wine and other products defined by Regulation (EEC) No 1234/2007, and alcohol-free counterparts (14.2.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 200 mg/l , only alcohol-free
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Cider and perry (14.2.3)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)

  • Mead (14.2.5)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 200 mg/l
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Fruit wine and made wine (14.2.4)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 200 mg/l

  • ML = 260 mg/l , only made wine
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks (15.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only cereal- and potato-based snacks
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Processed nuts (15.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only marinated nuts
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Aromatised wines (14.2.7.1)(legislation:59/2014, applicable as from 13/02/2014)

  • Aromatised wine-based drinks (14.2.7.2)(legislation:59/2014, applicable as from 13/02/2014)

  • Aromatised wine-product cocktails (14.2.7.3)(legislation:59/2014, applicable as from 13/02/2014)
  • ML = 200 mg/l
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Dried fruit and vegetables (4.2.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only dried coconut

  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only white vegetables, processed, including pulses

  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only dried mushrooms

  • ML = 150 mg/kg , only dried ginger

  • ML = 200 mg/kg , only dried tomatoes

  • ML = 400 mg/kg , only white vegetables, dried

  • ML = 500 mg/kg , only dried fruit and nuts in shell excluding dried applels, pears, bananas, apricots, peaches, grapes, prunes and figs

  • ML = 600 mg/kg , only dried apples and pears

  • ML = 1000 mg/kg , only dried bananas

  • ML = 2000 mg/kg , only dried apricots, peaches, grapes, prunes, and figs
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Starches (6.2.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , excluding starches in infant formulae, follow-on formulae and processed cereal-based foods and baby foods
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 (8.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 450 mg/kg , only breakfast sausages ; Burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4 % mixed within the meat

  • ML = 450 mg/kg , only salsicha fresca, longaniza fresca, butifarra fresca
  • 1 The additives may be added individually or in combination

  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Flavoured drinks (14.1.4)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 20 mg/l , only carry-over from concentrates in non-alcoholic flavoured drinks containing fruit juice

  • ML = 50 mg/l , only non-alcoholic flavoured drinks containing at least 235 g/l glucose syrup

  • ML = 350 mg/l , only concentrates based on fruit juice and containing not less than 2,5 % barley (barley water)

  • ML = 250 mg/l , only other concentrates based on fruit juice or comminuted fruit; capilé groselha
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Entire fresh fruit and vegetables (4.1.1)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only vacuum packed sweetcorn

  • ML = 10 mg/kg , only table grapes, fresh lychees (measured on edible parts) and blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum)
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Processed potato products (4.2.6)(legislation: 1093/2014, applicable as from 06/11/2014)
  • ML = 400 mg/kg , only dehydrated potatoes products

  • ML = 100 mg/kg
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets (5.2)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only candied, crystallised or glacé fruit, vegetables, angelica and citrus peel

  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only glucose syrup-based confectionery (carry over from the glucose syrup only)
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 (14.2.6)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/l , only distilled alcoholic beverages containing whole pears
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Frozen fruit and vegetables (4.1.3)(legislation:1129/2011, applicable as from 01/06/2013)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only white vegetables including mushrooms and white pulses

  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only frozen and deep-frozen potatoes
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables (4.2.3)(legislation: 2015/647, applicable as from 24/02/2015)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only white vegetables, including pulses and processed mushrooms

  • ML = 100 mg/kg , only bottled whiteheart cherries; vacuum packed sweetcorn

  • ML = 250 mg/kg , only bottled, sliced lemon
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Fine bakery wares (7.2)(legislation: 2015/647, applicable as from 24/02/2015)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only dry biscuits
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Processed fish and fisheries products including molluscs and crustaceans (9.2)(legislation: 2015/647, applicable as from 24/02/2015)
  • ML = 50 mg/kg , only cooked crustaceans and cephalopods

  • ML = 270 mg/kg , only cooked crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family over 120 units per kg

  • ML = 200 mg/kg , only dried salted fish of the ' Gadidae ' species

  • ML = 180 mg/kg , only cooked crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family between 80 and 120 units per kg

  • ML = 135 mg/kg , only cooked crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family up to 80 units per kg
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present

  • 10 Maximum limits in edible parts
  • Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol (14.2.8)(legislation:1148/2012, applicable as from 25/12/2012)
  • ML = 20 mg/l , only in fermented grape must based drinks

  • ML = 200 mg/l , only nalewka na winie owocowym, aromatyzowana nalewka na winie owocowym, nalewka na winie z soku winogronowego, aromatyzowana nalewka na winie z soku winogronowego, napój winny owocowy lub miodowy, aromatyzowany napój winny owocowy lub miodowy, wino owocowe niskoalkoholowe and aromatyzowane wino owocowe niskoalkoholowe
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present
  • Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans (9.1.2)(legislation: 2015/647, applicable as from 24/02/2015)
  • ML = 150 mg/kg , only fresh, frozen and deep-frozen crustaceans and cephalopods; crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family up to 80 units per kg

  • ML = 200 mg/kg , only crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family between 80 and 120 units per kg

  • ML = 300 mg/kg , only crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family over 120 units per kg
  • 3 Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 and relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present

  • 10 Maximum limits in edible parts

From webgate.ec.europa.eu