E228: Potassium Hydrogen Sulphite
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: potassium bisulphite, potassium bisulfite
What is E228 (Potassium Hydrogen Sulphite)?
Potassium hydrogen sulphite E228 is also known as potassium bisulphite. It belongs to the sulfur dioxide-sulphite group used to preserve suitable foods. Its role depends on the particular recipe and permitted conditions, rather than simply on the presence of potassium.
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 applications
- Selected beverage 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 E228, E 228, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include potassium bisulphite, potassium bisulfite. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E228 and potassium metabisulphite E224 are distinct chemical forms in the same preservative family. Retain the exact E number when looking up specifications or permitted use levels.
Is E228 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 E228 as Potassium 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.