Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite
Function: Preservative
E222 is the European food-additive number for Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM BISULFITE is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NaHSO3.
What is E222 used for?
Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite (E222) 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 E222 safe or restricted?
E222 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 E222
- What is E222?
- E222 is the E-number for Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM BISULFITE is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NaHSO3.
- What is E222 used for?
- Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite (E222) 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 E222 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 E222 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E222 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 E222 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.