My diet:

E223 Sodium metabisulfite

E223PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made
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VeganYes
Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes

The powder itself is halal. It is common in wine, and wine is not.

KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Sodium metabisulfite (E223) is the sulfite powder on dried fruit. Labels must declare sulfites at 10 ppm because some people with asthma react. It is allowed, and it is not something to ignore if you already know sulfites bother you.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE223
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesPreservatives
Glycemic index—
Daily limit0.7 mg/kg
Also calledSodium metabisulfite, Sodium metabisulphite

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAWarning label required
🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required
🇨🇦 Health CanadaWarning label required
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Sodium metabisulfite is a sulfite. US, EU and Canadian rules require a sulfite declaration at 10 parts per million or more, because some people with asthma react badly to sulfites. The group acceptable daily intake for sulfites, expressed as sulfur dioxide, is 0.7 mg per kilogram of body weight. The FDA's ban on sulfites on fresh salad vegetables and on meats that are a vitamin B1 source applies to this salt too. E220 is the gas. E223 is the powder most dried-fruit labels name.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

49 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 0.7 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 14 mg a day.

What is it?

The powder smells sharp, like a just-struck match, because it gives off sulfur dioxide. In the fruit it slows browning and mold.

Where it comes from: Sodium metabisulfite is a white powder that releases sulfur dioxide as soon as it meets water or acid. Dried-fruit packers dust fruit with it so the color stays bright. Winemakers use the potassium salt more often. Both are sulfites.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps dried apricots orange
  • Stops browning in a shrimp or a potato process
  • Sanitizes winery equipment
  • Protects lemon juice color

Often found in

Dried apricots and golden raisinsWine and ciderFrozen shrimpPickled vegetablesLemon juiceSome processed potatoes

Also listed as: Sodium metabisulfite, Sodium metabisulphite, Sodium disulfite, Sodium pyrosulfite

Health & gut impact

Asthma and sulfitesConcern

A minority of people with asthma get flushing, wheeze or worse from sulfites. That is why a declaration is required at 10 ppm, not because the powder is banned.

Sulfite-labeling thresholds in the US, EU and Canada

Group intakeUnder study

The 0.7 mg per kilogram figure is for sulfites as a group, counted as sulfur dioxide. Sodium metabisulfite spends that budget along with every other sulfite on the plate.

JECFA and EFSA group ADI for sulfites

What can I use instead?

Potassium metabisulfite

Ratio: Winemakers usually prefer it

Best for: A wine dose

Sulfur dioxide

Ratio: It is the gas this powder releases

Best for: The parent preservative

Related

More preservatives:

Benzoic acid E210Benzoic acid (E210) is the parent of sodium benzoate. It keeps acidic foods from molding. It is allowed within a daily limit, and in soft drinks with vitamin C it can form a little benzene.Use in moderationCalcium disodium EDTA (EDTA) E385Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) grabs stray metals so dressings, sodas and canned beans keep their color and flavor. Very little is absorbed, and it's safe in the small amounts allowed.Use in moderationCalcium Propionate E282Calcium propionate (E282) is the mold inhibitor in most packaged bread. It's considered safe, vegan and gluten-free, though a few small studies have raised questions about behavior in children and blood sugar.Use in moderationCalcium sorbate E203Calcium sorbate (E203) is a salt of sorbic acid that stops mold and yeast from growing in bread, cheese and wine. It's a synthetic, vegan and gluten-free preservative with a long safety record.Generally safe

Common questions

Is sodium metabisulfite the same as sulfur dioxide?

It releases sulfur dioxide in water. E220 is the gas. E223 is the solid salt on the ingredient list.

Why are my dried apricots bright orange?

This sulfite, or a cousin, was used to stop them browning. Unsulfured apricots are brown.

Is Sodium metabisulfite safe?

Use in moderation (50/100). Sodium metabisulfite is a sulfite. US, EU and Canadian rules require a sulfite declaration at 10 parts per million or more, because some people with asthma react badly to sulfites. The group acceptable daily intake for sulfites, expressed as sulfur dioxide, is 0.7 mg per kilogram of body weight. The FDA's ban on sulfites on fresh salad vegetables and on meats that are a vitamin B1 source applies to this salt too. E220 is the gas. E223 is the powder most dried-fruit labels name.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E223
  • Sulfite-labeling thresholds in the US, EU and Canada
  • JECFA and EFSA group ADI for sulfites

INS 223 · CAS 7681-57-4