Calcium hydrogen sulphite (bisulphite)
بيكبريتيت الكالسيوم
Preservative (sulfiting agent)
The verdict
A sulfite — a regulated allergen. Caution if you're sulfite-sensitive or asthmatic.
What it is
A sulfiting agent (preservative and antioxidant); used in brewing and as a firming agent.
Sulfites are a regulated allergen — declared on labels above 10 mg/kg because they can trigger asthma attacks and severe reactions in sensitive people. They keep dried apricots orange and wine stable, and quietly destroy vitamin B1 (thiamin) in food. EFSA found intake can exceed the safe level in some groups.
Evidence & status
IARC carcinogen group
not_classified
Acceptable intake
0-0.7 mg/kg bw/day (as SO2)
EU status
approved (group ADI 0.7 mg SO2/kg bw, EFSA 2016; declarable allergen >10 mg/kg)
US · FDA status
approved (sulfite labeling required >10 ppm)
Halal status: halal
Mineral/synthetically produced sulfite salt; halal.
Also known as
E 227
Primary source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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