E222: Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite
Main role: preservation and oxidation control
Also listed as: sodium bisulphite, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite
What is E222 (Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite)?
E222 is sodium hydrogen sulphite, also called sodium bisulphite. It helps protect suitable foods from oxidation and spoilage. The alternative names describe the same additive, so a label can use the familiar bisulphite term instead of the longer chemical name.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preservation and oxidation control. Preservation is one part of a food safety system. Recipe acidity, processing, packaging, and storage also affect how a product keeps. Follow the finished product’s storage instructions even when a preservative is listed.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified fruit preparations
- Beverage formulations
- Selected vegetable processing
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E222, E 222, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium bisulphite, sodium bisulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The words bisulphite and hydrogen sulphite can identify the same ingredient. Reading both synonyms is useful when checking a product against a known sulphite sensitivity.
Is E222 safe?
EFSA’s 2022 review identified concerns for high consumers and withdrew the temporary group intake limit. EFSA sulphites follow-up (2022).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E222 as Sodium hydrogen sulphite. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.