Ingredient · E224

Potassium Metabisulfites

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add potassium metabisulfite to foods to prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of …

What it is

Potassium metabisulfite is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It is a salt of sulfurous acid, formed by combining potassium carbonate and sulfur dioxide. It is used as a preservative and antioxidant in foods.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add potassium metabisulfite to foods to prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi, and to preserve color. It is often found in dried fruits, wines, processed potatoes, and some fruit juices.

Health notes

Potassium metabisulfite is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a preservative. It can cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with asthma. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. Evidence on its effects at typical intake levels is mixed, with some studies suggesting potential benefits for gut health and others raising concerns about sulfite sensitivity.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen. Sulfites are not among the nine major allergens defined by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Potassium Metabisulfites

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Walgreens Co. Grilled Chicken Breast Salad With Caesar Dressing Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 129kcal 4.6Protein 8.7Fat 8.7Carbs Lime Juice, Lime Safeway, Inc. Lime Juice, Lime Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs Sicilian Lemon Juice, Sicilian Lemon Safeway, Inc. Sicilian Lemon Juice, Sicilian Lemon Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs Lime Juice, Lime Safeway, Inc. Lime Juice, Lime Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs Sicilian Lemon Juice, Sicilian Lemon Safeway, Inc. Sicilian Lemon Juice, Sicilian Lemon Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 40Carbs Aqua Star, Inc. Shrimp Scampi & Linguine Succulent Shrimp With Linguine Pasta Tossed In A Buttery Garlic & Herb Sauce Frozen Dinners & Entrees 189kcal 10.1Protein 2.6Fat 31.7Carbs
Water (4 products) Preservative E224 (4 products) Lemon Juice (3 products) Garlic (2 products) Natural Flavors (2 products) Riboflavin (2 products) Folic Acid (2 products) Salt (2 products) Concentrated Lime Juice (2 products) 99.93% From Concentrate (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.