Sodium Metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulphite (E223) is a sulfite preservative. EFSA's 2022 follow-up evaluation withdrew the previous temporary group ADI of 0.7 mg SO2-equivalents/kg bw and found Margin of Exposure values below 80 for some population groups, raising concerns.
What it is
Sodium metabisulphite (E223), a sulfite preservative releasing sulfur dioxide.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial preservative; antibrowning agent.
Why it's flagged
- Asthma and severe reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals (~5-10% of asthmatics)
- EFSA exposure concerns above safe MOE
- FDA prohibits on most raw produce
What regulators actually say
"The Panel concluded that the available toxicological data did not allow conclusion on the safety of sulfur dioxide and sulfites at the current authorised use levels."
"Sulfites are GRAS as food additives... except they shall not be used on raw fruits or vegetables."
"Sulfites can produce severe asthmatic responses in some asthmatic individuals... FDA requires declaration of sulfites at 10 ppm or greater."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted; FDA prohibits use on most raw fruits/vegetables (21 CFR 182.3766); >=10 ppm requires label declaration.
European Union — EFSA
Authorised E223 with restrictions; group ADI under reassessment per EFSA 2022 follow-up.
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