Sulfur dioxide

Sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), also generated from sulfite additives.

Preservative and antioxidant in wine, dried fruit, and processed potatoes.

Inactivated by reaction with food constituents. Some people are sensitive to sulfites.

May trigger bronchospasm in asthmatics. EU mandatory allergen labelling for sulfites at concentrations above 10 mg/kg.

Permitted with strict maximum levels and mandatory sulphite declaration.

Sulfur dioxide is GRAS in the U.S. and used to preserve wine, dried fruit, and some processed foods. FDA requires sulfiting agents to be declared on labels when present at 10 ppm or more (as total sulfur dioxide). This threshold-based labeling differs in format from the EU sulphite allergen declaration but serves a similar consumer information purpose.

Category-specific limits in Annex II (e.g., wine limits vary by type).

0–0.7 mg/kg body weight per day (JECFA, as sulfur dioxide).