Potassium Metabisulphite
Function: Preservative
E224 is the European food-additive number for Potassium Metabisulphite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. POTASSIUM METABISULFITE, K2S2O5, also known as potassium pyrosulfite, is a white crystalline powder with a pungent sulfur odour.
What is E224 used for?
Potassium Metabisulphite (E224) 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 E224 safe or restricted?
E224 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 E224
- What is E224?
- E224 is the E-number for Potassium Metabisulphite, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. POTASSIUM METABISULFITE, K2S2O5, also known as potassium pyrosulfite, is a white crystalline powder with a pungent sulfur odour.
- What is E224 used for?
- Potassium Metabisulphite (E224) 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 E224 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 E224 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E224 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 E224 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.