What is Sulfur Dioxide (E220)?
Last updated on: 12/18/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
5
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe when used within regulatory limits. Intake monitoring is advised for children. Caution is advised for sulfite-sensitive and asthmatic individuals.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Sulfur dioxide is an artificial compound used in foods primarily as a preservative and antioxidant. It prevents microbial growth, slows enzymatic browning, and helps maintain colour and freshness in dried fruits, wines, fruit juices, and some processed foods. Sulfur dioxide also occurs naturally during fermentation.
Safety Summary
- Sulfur dioxide has a long history of use in food preservation and fermentation products such as wine and dried fruits.
- Daily intake varies across different regions. WHO/JECFA limited ADI to 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight/day. While EFSA has the same ADI, exposure concerns are identified in certain population groups.
- The FDA approved it with labeling requirements, and the FSSAI approved this as a permitted preservative with specified maximum limits across different food categories.
Who should be cautious?
Sulpfite-sensitive individuals, Asthmatics , Infants and children (high consumption scenarios)
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E220 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-220 |
|
Category : |
Preservative |
|
Sub-category : |
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Agent,Flavor Enhancer |
|
Origin : |
Synthetic (Chemically derived) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
220, Sulfur dioxide; SO₂, Sulfer Superoxide |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Sodium sulfite (E 221), Sodium bisulfite (E 222), Sodium metabisulfite (E 223), Potassium metabisulfite (E 224), Calcium sulfite (E 226), Calcium bisulfite (E 227) and Potassium bisulfite (E 228) |
Common Products
You may find it in the following food products:
- Dried fruits,
- wines,
- fruit juices,
- Processed cheese,
- Jams, jellies,
- Pre-cooked pastas and noodles
- Sugar etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Used in food consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice; no specific numerical limit beyond GMP. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Group Average Daily Intake (ADI): 0.7 mg/kg body weight per day, expressed as sulfur dioxide. |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Maximum permitted levels vary by food category. Eg. Sugar – 150 mg/kg, Mixes for soups and broths 350 mg/kg. |
Health concerns
- EFSA concluded from its study that dietary exposure may exceed the average daily intake (ADI), particularly in children with high consumption of sulfite-containing foods like dried fruits and beverages.
- In sensitive individuals, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory symptoms, including bronchoconstriction, especially in asthmatic individuals, at both under ADI limits and at higher exposure levels.
- The panel in this study also noted that these respiratory effects appear after both inhalation and ingestion but that inhalation is the route of exposure that is the most frequently associated with symptoms. This is in particular evident in the case of occupational settings, where the levels of exposure are high.
- Adverse reactions are dose-related and mainly occur in sensitive individuals rather than the general population.
- EFSA found no evidence of genotoxicity or carcinogenicity at regulated intake levels.
Conclusions
Sulfur dioxide (E220) is a widely used preservative and antioxidant with a long history of use and conditional approval by all major regulatory bodies. While it is safe for the general population, clear labeling regulations are in place, and careful intake management is advised by studies, especially for children and toddlers.