Sodium acid sulfite
Learn what Sodium acid sulfite (E222) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Sodium acid sulfite?
Food additive from the category of chemical preservatives. It is a sodium salt of sulfurous acid, appearing as an unstable white powder that reacts with oxygen to form sulfate. In acidic conditions, it forms sulfurous acid, which has preservative, oxidizing, and bleaching properties, but also reduces the vitamin content in food.
Why is Sodium acid sulfite added to food?
Sodium acid sulfite (E222) 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 Sodium acid sulfite safe?
Moderate concern
In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory issues.
Is Sodium acid sulfite banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Sodium acid sulfite okay for kids?
Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Sodium acid sulfite
- All plant-based food products
See the full list of foods that contain Sodium acid sulfite →
How to spot Sodium acid sulfite on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E222
- Sodium acid sulfite
Common misspellings to watch for:
- sodium acid sulfite
- sodium acid sultite
- sodium aeid sulfite
- sodium acid sulflte
- sodium acid $ulfite
- sodium acld sulfite
- sodlum acid sulfite
- sodium dcid sulfite
- $odium acid sulfite
- sodium acid suliite
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals sensitive to sulfites. • Not recommended for individuals with bronchial asthma or other respiratory conditions. • Individuals with a deficiency in glycosylase should avoid consumption. • Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding without consulting a doctor. • May cause gastrointestinal irritation in large quantities.
Also known as
- sodium acid sulfite
- sodium acid sultite
- sodium aeid sulfite
- sodium acid sulflte
- sodium acid $ulfite
- sodium acld sulfite
- sodlum acid sulfite
- sodium dcid sulfite
- $odium acid sulfite
- sodium acid suliite
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sodium acid sulfite? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E222 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium acid sulfite
- Is Sodium acid sulfite safe to eat?
- In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory issues.
- Is Sodium acid sulfite banned anywhere?
- Sodium acid sulfite is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Sodium acid sulfite safe for children?
- Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Sodium acid sulfite on a food label?
- Look for E222, Sodium acid sulfite in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: sodium acid sulfite, sodium acid sultite, sodium aeid sulfite.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.