Sodium Sulphite
Function: Preservative
E221 is the European food-additive number for Sodium Sulphite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM SULFITE is a soluble sodium salt of sulfurous acid -sulfite- with the chemical formula Na2SO3.
What is E221 used for?
Sodium Sulphite (E221) 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 E221 safe or restricted?
E221 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 E221
- What is E221?
- E221 is the E-number for Sodium Sulphite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. SODIUM SULFITE is a soluble sodium salt of sulfurous acid -sulfite- with the chemical formula Na2SO3.
- What is E221 used for?
- Sodium Sulphite (E221) 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 E221 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 E221 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E221 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 E221 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.