What is Sodium sulphite (E221)?

What does it do?

Extends shelf life by slowing mould, yeast and bacterial growth.

Is it harmful? Risk context

There is limited evidence, or caution is warranted under specific conditions. Its presence alone does not mean "danger"; at ordinary amounts no problem is reported for most people. NeBu treats it as a moderate signal and presents it with the context below.

Sulphite; asthma/sulphite sensitivity, mandatory allergen in EU above 10 mg/kg

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Safe daily intake (EFSA ADI)

Provisional group-ADI was WITHDRAWN in 2022 (insufficient toxicology data) — uncertainty increased

Note for sensitive groups

• People with asthma / sulfite sensitivity: sulfites can trigger reactions in this group. In the EU, >10 mg/kg of sulfites requires mandatory allergen declaration.
• Allergic individuals: IgE-mediated allergic reactions have been reported (rare but real).

Regulatory status

• The provisional safe-intake limit (ADI) was withdrawn due to insufficient data → uncertainty increased.

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• EFSA — Sulfites follow-up (provisional ADI withdrawn, 2022)
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)