Potassium bisulfite
Learn what Potassium bisulfite (E228) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Potassium bisulfite?
Food additive from the category of chemical preservatives. It is a potassium salt of sulfurous acid, appearing as an unstable white powder that reacts with oxygen to form potassium sulfate. In acidic conditions, it forms sulfurous acid, which has preservative, oxidizing, and bleaching properties, but also reduces the vitamin content of foods.
Why is Potassium bisulfite added to food?
Potassium bisulfite (E228) 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 Potassium bisulfite safe?
Moderate concern
In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory problems.
Is Potassium bisulfite banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Potassium bisulfite okay for kids?
Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Potassium bisulfite
- All plant-based food products
See the full list of foods that contain Potassium bisulfite →
How to spot Potassium bisulfite on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E228
- Potassium bisulfite
Common misspellings to watch for:
- potasslum bisulfite
- pota$sium bisulfite
- potdssium bisulfite
- potassium bisuliite
- potassium blsulfite
- potas$ium bisulfite
- potassium bi$ulfite
- dotassium bisulfite
- potassium bisulflte
- potassium bisultite
- potassium bisulfite
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes and respiratory difficulties, particularly in individuals sensitive to sulfites. • Excessive consumption may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. • Not recommended for individuals with asthma or respiratory allergies, as it may worsen symptoms. • May interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B1, in the body. • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid exposure to this additive due to potential risks to fetal or infant development.
Also known as
- potasslum bisulfite
- pota$sium bisulfite
- potdssium bisulfite
- potassium bisuliite
- potassium blsulfite
- potas$ium bisulfite
- potassium bi$ulfite
- dotassium bisulfite
- potassium bisulflte
- potassium bisultite
- potassium bisulfite
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Potassium bisulfite? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E228 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Potassium bisulfite
- Is Potassium bisulfite safe to eat?
- In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory problems.
- Is Potassium bisulfite banned anywhere?
- Potassium bisulfite is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Potassium bisulfite safe for children?
- Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Potassium bisulfite on a food label?
- Look for E228, Potassium bisulfite in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: potasslum bisulfite, pota$sium bisulfite, potdssium bisulfite.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.