# What does "contains sulphites" mean? A guide to E220-E228

> "Contains sulphites" on dried fruit, wine and pickles is an allergen warning. Which codes are sulphites, what does EFSA say, and how do you read the label?

Published: 31 October 2026 — Preservatives, Allergens, Sulphites, E numbers

If you have seen "contains sulphites" or a code like E220 on dried apricots, wine, pickles or ready-made potato products, you have met a widely used family of preservatives. The wording is not a brand choice; it is a legal allergen warning. This article explains what sulphites are, why the warning is mandatory, and what EFSA's safety assessment says.

## Which codes are sulphites?

E220 sulphur dioxide, E221 sodium sulphite, E222 sodium bisulphite, E223 sodium metabisulphite, E224 potassium metabisulphite, E226 calcium sulphite, E227 calcium bisulphite and E228 potassium bisulphite. All of them release sulphite ions once ingested, which is why EFSA assesses them as a group. LogicFood's records describe sulphur dioxide as a sulphiting preservative and antioxidant that keeps colour and freshness in dried fruit.

## Why is there an allergen warning?

The EU food information regulation (EU) 1169/2011 puts sulphur dioxide and sulphites on the [allergen list](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2011/1169/annex/II). The rule applies when the ready-to-eat product contains more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre of total SO₂. The reason is that some people sensitive to sulphites can react. Below that threshold you may not see the wording at all.

## What did EFSA say?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [re-evaluated sulphites in 2016](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4438):

- A group acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.7 mg SO₂ equivalents per kg body weight per day was set, but described as "temporary."
- It was derived from a no-effect level of 70 mg SO₂ equivalents/kg/day in a long-term rat toxicity study.
- No genotoxicity concern was found; no effects were reported in the available chronic, carcinogenicity or reproductive studies after oral exposure.
- Estimated exposure exceeded the group ADI in all population groups.
- The panel noted uncertainties in the database and recommended that the assessment be revisited within some years. EFSA later published a [follow-up opinion in 2022](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9685353/).

So the picture is: the ADI is temporary and carries uncertainties, estimated intake can exceed it, but there is no cancer or genotoxicity signal. That explains why sulphites are an additive to read carefully, not one that is "certainly harmful."

## How to read this on a label

1. Look for "sulphite," "sulphur dioxide," "metabisulphite" or E220-E228. Allergens are highlighted in the ingredients list.
2. Dried fruit (especially bright apricots and raisins), wine, vinegar, pickles, some ready-made potato products and juice concentrates are common sources.
3. In wine, sulphites can also form naturally during fermentation, so you may see the wording even if none was added.
4. If you know you are sensitive to sulphites, the threshold and the warning wording matter; if in doubt, ask your doctor.

## In LogicFood's research records

In LogicFood's records sulphur dioxide and sulphite derivatives (E220, E223, E224) carry the highest risk level (High). The marker is a prioritisation signal reflecting allergen status and EFSA's temporary ADI; it is not a ban or a verdict of harm for everyone.

## In short

"Contains sulphites" is a legal allergen statement meant to inform people who may be sensitive. EFSA's assessment sets a temporary intake limit and points to data gaps. Reading the two together puts the label wording in its place.

Sources: [EFSA, re-evaluation of sulphur dioxide and sulphites (E 220-228), 2016](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4438) · [EFSA, E 220-228 follow-up opinion, 2022](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9685353/) · [Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, Annex II](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2011/1169/annex/II)

https://logicfood.app/en/blog/what-does-contains-sulphites-mean/