E220

Sulphur dioxide

E Number E220
Name Sulphur dioxide
Class Preservatives
Groups Sulphur dioxide — sulphites
Additional details Preservative, antimicrobial, bleaching agent, improving agent
Origin Synthetic
Common applications Wines, beers, vinegar, sauces, refreshments, meat, legumes, dried fruits, freeze shellfish, biscuits, cereal snacks, olives, charcuterie, eggs-containing products, caramels, cookies
Observations At low doses, may cause intestinal irritations and inactivates vitamin B. At long-term, their daily consumption may lead to avitaminosis, and at high doses may lead to headache, nauseas, allergies and asthma.
Evaluation To avoid

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Conditions of use in food categories

Category Number Category Name Maximum Level (mg/l or mg/kg as appropriate) Details Restrictions/exceptions
04.1.1 Entire fresh fruit and vegetables10Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly table grapes, fresh lychees (measured on edible parts) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)
04.1.1 Entire fresh fruit and vegetables100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly vacuum-packed sweetcorn
04.1.2 Peeled, cut and shredded fruit and vegetables50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly peeled potatoes
04.1.2 Peeled, cut and shredded fruit and vegetables300Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly onion, garlic and shallot pulp
04.1.2 Peeled, cut and shredded fruit and vegetables800Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly horseradish pulp
04.1.3 Frozen fruit and vegetables50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly white vegetables including mushrooms and white pulses
04.1.3 Frozen fruit and vegetables100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly frozen and deep-frozen potatoes
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried coconut
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly white vegetables, processed, including pulses
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried mushrooms
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables150Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried ginger
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried tomatoes
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables400Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly white vegetables, dried
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables500Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried fruit and nuts in shell excluding dried apples, pears, bananas, apricots, peaches, grapes, prunes and figs
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables600Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried apples and pears
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables1 000Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried bananas
04.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables2 000Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried apricots, peaches, grapes, prunes, and figs
04.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentexcept olives and golden peppers in brine
04.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine500Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly golden peppers in brine
04.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly white vegetables, including pulses
04.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables250Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly bottled, sliced lemon
04.2.3 Canned or bottled fruit and vegetables100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly bottled whiteheart cherries; vacuum-packed sweetcorn
04.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly processed white vegetables and mushrooms
04.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly rehydrated dried fruit and lychees, mostarda di frutta
04.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote300Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly onion, garlic and shallot pulp
04.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote800Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly horseradish pulp
04.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote800Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly jellying fruit extract, liquid pectin for sale to the final consumer
04.2.5.1 Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly jams, jellies and mermelades made with sulphited fruit
04.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
04.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly jams, jellies and marmalades made with sulphited fruit
04.2.5.3 Other similar fruit or vegetable spreads50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
04.2.6 Processed potato products400Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dehydrated potatoes products
04.2.6 Processed potato products100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
05.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly candied, crystallised or glacé fruit, vegetables, angelica and citrus peel
05.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly glucose syrup-based confectionery (carry over from the glucose syrup only)
05.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.450Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly glucose syrup-based confectionery (carry over from the glucose syrup only)
05.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.440Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly toppings (syrups for pancakes, flavoured syrups for milkshakes and ice cream; similar products)
05.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4100Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly fruit fillings for pastries
06.1 Whole, broken, or flaked grain30Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly sago and pearl barley
06.2.2 Starches50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentexcluding starches in infant formulae, follow on formulae and processed cereal-based foods and baby foods
07.2 Fine bakery wares50only dry biscuits
08.1.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004450The additives may be added individually or in combination Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly breakfast sausages; Burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4 % mixed within the meat
08.1.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004450The additives may be added individually or in combination Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly salsicha fresca, longaniza fresca, butifarra fresca
09.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans150Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly fresh, frozen and deep-frozen crustaceans and cephalopods; crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family up to 80 units
09.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family between 80 and 120 units
09.1.2 Unprocessed molluscs and crustaceans300Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family over 120 units
09.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly cooked crustaceans and cephalopods
09.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans135Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly cooked crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family up to 80 units
09.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans180Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly cooked crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family between 80 and 120 units
09.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly dried salted fish of the “Gadidae” species
09.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans270Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present Maximum limits in edible partsonly cooked crustaceans of the Penaeidae, Solenoceridae and Aristaeidae family over 120 units
11.1 Sugars and syrups as defined by Directive 2001/111/EC10Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly sugars, except glucose syrup
11.1 Sugars and syrups as defined by Directive 2001/111/EC20Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly glucose syrup, whether or not dehydrated
11.2 Other sugars and syrups40Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
11.2 Other sugars and syrups70Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly treacle and molasses
12.2.1 Herbs and spices150Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly cinnamon (Cinnamomum ceylanicum)
12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly citrus-juice-based seasonings
12.3 Vinegars170Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly fermentation vinegar
12.4 Mustard250Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentexcluding Dijon mustard
12.4 Mustard500Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly Dijon mustard
12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly analogues of meat, fish, crustaceans and cephalopods
12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.850Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly gelatine
14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices2 000Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly concentrated grape juice for home wine-making
14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly orange, grapefruit, apple and pineapple juice for bulk dispensing in catering establishments
14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices350Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly lime and lemon juice
14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices70Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly grape juice, unfermented, for sacramental use
14.1.4 Flavoured drinks20Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly carry over from concentrates in non-alcoholic flavoured drinks containing fruit juice
14.1.4 Flavoured drinks50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly non-alcoholic flavoured drinks containing at least 235 g/l glucose syrup
14.1.4 Flavoured drinks350Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly concentrates based on fruit juice and containing not less than 2,5 % barley (barley water)
14.1.4 Flavoured drinks250Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly other concentrates based on fruit juice or comminuted fruit; capilé, groselha
14.2.1 Beer and malt beverages20Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
14.2.1 Beer and malt beverages50only beer with a second fermentation in the cask
14.2.2 Wine and other products defined by Regulation (EEC) No 1234/2007, and alcohol-free counterparts200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly alcohol-free
14.2.3 Cider and perry200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine260Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly made wine
14.2.5 Mead200Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present 
14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/200850Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly distilled alcoholic beverages containing whole pears
15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly cereal- and potato-based snacks
15.2 Processed nuts50Maximum levels are expressed as SO2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be presentonly marinated nuts