E227Preservative

Calcium bisulfite

Learn what Calcium bisulfite (E227) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.

Moderate concern

What is Calcium bisulfite?

Food additive from the category of chemical preservatives. It is a calcium salt of sulfurous acid, appearing as a greenish liquid that reacts with oxygen to form calcium sulfite. In acidic conditions, it forms sulfurous acid, which has preservative properties and also increases the firmness of plant-based products.

Why is Calcium bisulfite added to food?

Calcium bisulfite (E227) is a preservative commonly found in: All plant-based food products.

Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for human consumption is up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight, a dose that can easily be exceeded through cumulative consumption of products containing sulfur-derived preservatives.

Is Calcium bisulfite safe?

Moderate concern

In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory issues.

Is Calcium bisulfite banned anywhere?

✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.

Is Calcium bisulfite okay for kids?

Not allowed in products for infants and young children.

Common foods that contain Calcium bisulfite

  • All plant-based food products

See the full list of foods that contain Calcium bisulfite

How to spot Calcium bisulfite on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

  • E227
  • Calcium bisulfite

Common misspellings to watch for:

  • calcium bisultite
  • calcium bisuliite
  • caleium bisulfite
  • cdlcium bisulfite
  • ealcium bisulfite
  • calcium blsulfite
  • calcium bisulflte
  • calcium bi$ulfite
  • calclum bisulfite
  • calcium bisulfite

Better alternatives

• May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to sulfites. • Not recommended for individuals with bronchial asthma or other respiratory conditions. • Individuals with a deficiency of glycosylase should avoid consumption. • Avoid high doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

  • calcium bisultite
  • calcium bisuliite
  • caleium bisulfite
  • cdlcium bisulfite
  • ealcium bisulfite
  • calcium blsulfite
  • calcium bisulflte
  • calcium bi$ulfite
  • calclum bisulfite
  • calcium bisulfite

Scan products with BioBrief

Not sure if a product contains Calcium bisulfite? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E227 — with a plain-language explanation.

Frequently asked questions about Calcium bisulfite

Is Calcium bisulfite safe to eat?
In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory issues.
Is Calcium bisulfite banned anywhere?
Calcium bisulfite is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Calcium bisulfite safe for children?
Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
How do I spot Calcium bisulfite on a food label?
Look for E227, Calcium bisulfite in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: calcium bisultite, calcium bisuliite, caleium bisulfite.

Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.