E226: Calcium Sulphite
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: calcium sulfite
What is E226 (Calcium Sulphite)?
Calcium sulphite E226 is a calcium salt in the sulphite preservative group. Its use is distinct from calcium sulfate, a different compound with different technological functions. The mineral in its name does not turn the preservative into a meaningful source of dietary calcium.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preservation. 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 preservative applications
- Selected food processing preparations
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 E226, E 226, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium sulfite. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Check E226 separately from calcium sulphate E516. For sulphite-sensitive shoppers, the sulphite portion of the name is the relevant distinction.
Is E226 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 E226 as Calcium 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.