E224: Potassium Metabisulphite
Main role: preservation and oxidation control
Also listed as: potassium metabisulfite, dipotassium disulphite
What is E224 (Potassium Metabisulphite)?
E224 is the potassium salt used in the metabisulphite preservative family. It can protect foods and drinks from oxidation and microbial spoilage. Replacing sodium with potassium changes the salt form, while leaving the sulphite-related function important.
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
- Wine production
- Specified fruit preparations
- Beverage 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 E224, E 224, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium metabisulfite, dipotassium disulphite. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Potassium metabisulphite is not a potassium nutrient supplement. A potassium-based sulphite should still be considered when following advice for sulphite sensitivity.
Is E224 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 E224 as Potassium metabisulphite. 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.