E227: Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: calcium bisulphite, calcium bisulfite
What is E227 (Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite)?
E227 identifies calcium hydrogen sulphite, also called calcium bisulphite. It is a sulphite-family preservation ingredient. The longer chemical name can obscure its relationship to sulfur dioxide E220 and other sulphites, but the label number helps connect those names.
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 food preservation preparations
- Selected 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 E227, E 227, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium bisulphite, calcium bisulfite. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A calcium-based preservative is not automatically exempt from sulphite concerns. Look for calcium bisulphite and calcium hydrogen sulphite as synonyms when comparing labels.
Is E227 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 E227 as Calcium 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.