Ingredient · E-223

E-223

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium metabisulfite is added to foods to prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of …

What it is

E-223, also known as sodium metabisulfite, is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It is a salt of sulfurous acid, produced by reacting sulfur dioxide with a sodium compound, such as sodium carbonate. It is commonly used as a preservative and antioxidant.

Why it's used

Sodium metabisulfite is added to foods to prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi, and to preserve color and flavor. It is often found in dried fruits, wine, processed potatoes, and some seafood products. It acts as an antioxidant, preventing browning and oxidation.

Health notes

In the U.S., sodium metabisulfite is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a preservative and antioxidant. It can cause allergic-type reactions in some individuals, particularly those with asthma. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated sodium metabisulfite and established an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated its safety.

Allergen info

Sodium metabisulfite is not one of the FDA's nine major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing E-223

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LAZIZA INTERNATIONAL Garlic & Ginger Paste Other Cooking Sauces 125kcal 5Protein 5Fat 15Carbs Waffy DUKES Waffy Cookies & Biscuits 500kcal 3.3Protein 23.3Fat 70Carbs Waffy Crispy 'N' Creamy Wafers DUKES Waffy Crispy 'N' Creamy Wafers Cookies & Biscuits 500kcal 3.3Protein 23.3Fat 70Carbs AL SALLAN FOOD INDUSTRIES CO. Biscuits Cookies & Biscuits 467kcal 6.7Protein 20Fat 63.3Carbs Sun & Dragon, Young Coconut Juice With Pulp Denny's Corporation Sun & Dragon, Young Coconut Juice With Pulp Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 35kcal 0Protein 0Fat 8.7Carbs Tasco, Young Coconut Juice With Pulp Denny's Corporation Tasco, Young Coconut Juice With Pulp Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 32kcal 0Protein 0.2Fat 8Carbs Guava Juice Agricultural Marketing Company Limited Guava Juice Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 56kcal 0Protein 0Fat 14Carbs Argentine Raw Wild-Caught Red Shrimp Wakefern Food Corporation Argentine Raw Wild-Caught Red Shrimp Frozen Fish & Seafood High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 91kcal 19.1Protein 1.4Fat 0Carbs Quisling Media Raw Shell On Wild Caught Argentine Red Shrimp Frozen Fish & Seafood High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 91kcal 19.1Protein 1.4Fat 0Carbs Wakefern Food Corporation Specialty, Argentine Extra Large Red Ez-Peel Raw Wild-Caught Shrimp, Argentine Red Frozen Fish & Seafood High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 91kcal 19.1Protein 1.4Fat 0Carbs Wakefern Food Corporation Specialty, Argentine Extra Jumbo Red Ez-Peel Raw Wild-Caught Shrimp, Argentine Red Frozen Fish & Seafood High in cholesterol — 57% DV per serving 91kcal 19.1Protein 1.4Fat 0Carbs
Sugar (5 products) Sodium Metabisulfite (4 products) Water (3 products) Raw Wild-caught Red Shrimp (3 products) Sodium Carbonate (3 products) Sodium Citrate (3 products) Wheat Flour (3 products) Salt (3 products) Emulsifier: Soy Lecithin (2 products) E-330 (2 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.