preservative, antioxidant INS 226

Calcium Sulfite E226

inorganic — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Calcium sulfite

CAS: 10257-55-3

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Calcium Sulfite isn't just a food additive — it's also used in industrial applications.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~4 glasses of wine (150ml) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Restricted use; must be labeled when present above 10 ppm due to allergen concerns

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS affirmed

Must be declared on labels; sulfites must be labeled when ≥10 ppm

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved as designated food additive

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–0.7 mg/kg bw/day (as SO2, group ADI for all sulfites)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.7 mg/kg bw/day (as SO2)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~4 of glasses of wine (150ml)

~10mg per serving

less than 1 of servings of dried apricots (50g)

~100mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by reacting calcium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide gas.

Applications Beyond Food

Industrial

Used in water treatment and as a reducing agent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Sulfite (E226)?

Calcium Sulfite (E226) is a preservative, antioxidant used in food products. It is inorganic and synthetic. A synthetic sulfite compound used for thousands of years in winemaking. Part of the sulfite family of preservatives that release sulfur dioxide (SO2) to prevent oxidation and microbial growth. Can trigger allergic reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals (~1% of population).

What is the ADI for Calcium Sulfite?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Calcium Sulfite is 0–0.7 mg/kg bw/day (as SO2, group ADI for all sulfites) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Calcium Sulfite?

Calcium Sulfite is used in various food categories including Wine and other fermented beverages, Dried fruit and vegetables. It is used as a preservative, antioxidant in these products.

Primary Research & Evidence