preservative, antioxidant INS 228

Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite E228

inorganic — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Potassium hydrogen sulfite

CAS: 7773-03-7

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?

Potassium Hydrogen 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

Must be labeled when present above 10 ppm; allergen declaration required

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Must be declared on labels; sulfites ≥10 ppm require disclosure

🇯🇵

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 with 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

~1.4 of servings of dried shrimp (30g)

~30mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

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

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by passing sulfur dioxide gas through a solution of potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide.

Applications Beyond Food

Industrial

Used in water treatment and as a reducing agent in chemical processes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite (E228)?

Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite (E228) is a preservative, antioxidant used in food products. It is inorganic and synthetic. A synthetic sulfite preservative that releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) when dissolved in water. Commonly used in winemaking to prevent oxidation and microbial growth. Can cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals and destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine) in foods.

What is the ADI for Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite is 0–0.7 mg/kg bw/day (as SO2, group ADI with 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 Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite?

Potassium Hydrogen Sulfite is used in various food categories including Beer and beer-like beverages, Dried fruit and vegetables. It is used as a preservative, antioxidant in these products.

Primary Research & Evidence