Sodium metabisulfite
Learn what Sodium metabisulfite (E223) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Sodium metabisulfite?
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 sodium 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 metabisulfite added to food?
Sodium metabisulfite (E223) 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 metabisulfite safe?
Moderate concern
In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory issues.
Is Sodium metabisulfite banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Sodium metabisulfite okay for kids?
Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Sodium metabisulfite
- All plant-based food products
See the full list of foods that contain Sodium metabisulfite →
How to spot Sodium metabisulfite on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E223
- Sodium metabisulfite
Common misspellings to watch for:
- $odium metabisulfite
- sodium metabisulfite
- sodium metabi$ulfite
- sodlum metabisulfite
- sodium metdbisulfite
- sodium metabisuliite
- sodium metabisultite
- sodium metablsulfite
- sodium metabisulflte
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. • Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding without consulting a doctor. • May interfere with the absorption of vitamins B1 and B12.
Also known as
- $odium metabisulfite
- sodium metabisulfite
- sodium metabi$ulfite
- sodlum metabisulfite
- sodium metdbisulfite
- sodium metabisuliite
- sodium metabisultite
- sodium metablsulfite
- sodium metabisulflte
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Sodium metabisulfite? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E223 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium metabisulfite
- Is Sodium metabisulfite safe to eat?
- In asthmatic individuals, it may cause respiratory issues.
- Is Sodium metabisulfite banned anywhere?
- Sodium metabisulfite is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Sodium metabisulfite safe for children?
- Not allowed in products for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Sodium metabisulfite on a food label?
- Look for E223, Sodium metabisulfite in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: $odium metabisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium metabi$ulfite.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.