Calcium Sulphite
Also known as: E226, Calcium sulfite
Calcium sulfite is part of the sulfite family of preservatives. Sulfites can cause severe asthmatic reactions in sensitive individuals — FDA requires labeling when sulfites are present at ≥10 ppm in the finished food.
What it is
Calcium sulfite (E226), a calcium salt of sulfurous acid used as a sulfite-class preservative.
Preservative (antioxidant, antimicrobial); inhibits browning and microbial growth.
Why it's flagged
- asthma/anaphylaxis-type reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals
- labeling required at ≥10 ppm
What regulators actually say
"A detectable amount of sulfiting agent is considered to be 10 parts per million (ppm or mg/kg) or more of the sulfite in the finished food. Any standardized food that contains a sulfiting agent... is misbranded unless the presence of the sulfiting agent or agents is declared on the label of the food."
"FDA prohibits the use of sulfiting agents on fruits and vegetables intended to be served raw or sold raw to consumers."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sulfites permitted under 21 CFR 130.9; mandatory label declaration ≥10 ppm; FDA banned sulfites on fresh produce 1986
European Union — EFSA
E226 historically authorized; calcium sulfite delisted from EU food additive list
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app