Ingredient · E222

Used To Protect Quality

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Sodium bisulfite is added to foods to protect their quality by preventing oxidation and …

What it is

Sodium bisulfite is a chemical compound made from sulfur dioxide. It is often used in food processing as a preservative and antioxidant. It helps prevent spoilage and maintain the color and flavor of certain foods.

Why it's used

Sodium bisulfite is added to foods to protect their quality by preventing oxidation and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. It is commonly found in processed potatoes, dried fruits, and seafood, especially shellfish, to maintain their appearance and freshness. It also acts as a bleaching agent in some applications.

Health notes

In the US, sodium bisulfite is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices. It can cause allergic-type reactions in some individuals, particularly those with asthma. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated sulfites, including sodium bisulfite, and established acceptable daily intakes. Evidence does not suggest adverse effects at typical consumption levels for the general population.

Allergen info

Sodium bisulfite is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Used To Protect Quality

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BEST FOODS Light Mayonnaise Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 233kcal 0Protein 23.3Fat 6.7Carbs Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Magnum, Ice Cream Bar, Double Chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 354kcal 2.5Protein 21.5Fat 36.7Carbs Ice Cream Bars Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Ice Cream Bars Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 342kcal 3.8Protein 21.5Fat 36.7Carbs Ice Cream Bar Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Ice Cream Bar Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 342kcal 3.8Protein 21.5Fat 36.7Carbs Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Ice Cream Bars Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 354kcal 2.5Protein 21.5Fat 36.7Carbs Ice Cream Bars Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream Ice Cream Bars Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 355kcal 2.6Protein 22.4Fat 36.8Carbs Lipton Italian Sides Garlic & Olive Oil Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 33% DV per serving 359kcal 12.5Protein 2.3Fat 71.9Carbs BEST FOODS Olive Oil Mayonnaise Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 400kcal 0Protein 40Fat 6.7Carbs WISH-BONE Wish-Bone, Balsamic Italian Vinaigrette Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 233kcal 0Protein 20Fat 13.3Carbs KOWALSKI Jarlsberg Dip Dips & Salsa High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 357kcal 8.9Protein 28.6Fat 14.3Carbs Schnuck Markets, Inc. Garlic Bread Sticks Frozen Bread & Dough 300kcal 8Protein 10Fat 46Carbs BEAVER STREET FISHERIES, INC. Crabmeat Stuffing Lump Shellfish Unprepared/Unprocessed High in sodium — 31% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 30% DV per serving 580kcal 13.4Protein 6.2Fat 12.5Carbs

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.