Sulphur Dioxide
Function: Preservative
E220 is the European food-additive number for Sulphur Dioxide, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SULPHUR DIOXIDE is the chemical compound with the formula SO2.
What is E220 used for?
Sulphur Dioxide (E220) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E220 safe or restricted?
E220 faces restrictions under EU rules on how, where, or in what quantities it may be used. Forkin classifies it as “Restricted use” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E220
- What is E220?
- E220 is the E-number for Sulphur Dioxide, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SULPHUR DIOXIDE is the chemical compound with the formula SO2.
- What is E220 used for?
- Sulphur Dioxide (E220) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E220 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E220 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E220 faces restrictions under EU rules on how, where, or in what quantities it may be used. Forkin classifies it as "Restricted use" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E220 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.