A sulphite-based preservative and antioxidant used to prevent enzymatic browning and control microbial spoilage, subject to mandatory allergen labelling above regulatory thresholds.

Physical state

Powder

Solubility

Freely soluble in water

Odour

Slight sulphurous odour

Typical usage level

Limited by the regulatory SO2 threshold rather than a fixed usage rate

Regulatory overview

EU and US regulatory context

EU Context

Regulation: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008; purity criteria under Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
E-number: E223
Status: Authorised food additive
Key standard: Confirm current Ph. Eur. / FCC monograph specification with the supplier.

US Context

FDA status: GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
CFR reference: Pending. Confirm exact citation before publishing to a client-facing document.
Common declaration: Sodium Metabisulphite
Notes: Pending

Functions & applications

Antioxidant / preservative

Technical function	What it does
prevention of enzymatic browning	Inhibits polyphenol oxidase activity that causes browning.
antimicrobial activity via sulphite release	Releases sulphur dioxide that suppresses microbial growth.

Recommended applications

Dried fruit

Antioxidant / preservative

Wine

Antioxidant / preservative

Fruit concentrates

Antioxidant / preservative

Processed potato products

Antioxidant / preservative

Specifications

Technical specification

Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Colour	White to off-white crystalline powder
Odour	Slight sulphurous odour
Solubility	Freely soluble in water
Moisture	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Assay	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
pH	Pending
Lead (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Arsenic (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Cadmium (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Mercury (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Total plate count	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Salmonella	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
E. coli	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Yeast & mould	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Packaging	25kg multiwall paper bags with PE liner, on ISPM-15 treated pallets
Shelf life	24 months from production date, unopened
Storage	Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Values marked "Pending" require confirmation against the current supplier CoA before being issued to a client.

Compliance

Legal & compliance notes

Allergen status: Contains Sulphites. Mandatory allergen declaration required.
GMO status: Inorganic salt; not applicable to GMO status.
Irradiation: Not irradiated.
Halal / Kosher: Typically available. Confirm certification with the specific supplier.

Must be declared as an allergen (sulphites) on finished product labels above 10mg/kg or 10mg/L SO2.
Critical QC checkpoints: Assay (available SO2), Heavy metals, Iron content.

CN code (8-digit)	Pending
TARIC (10-digit)	Pending
EU import duty	Pending
Anti-dumping measure	None on file

Sodium Metabisulphite

EU and US regulatory context

Antioxidant / preservative

Recommended applications

Technical specification

Legal & compliance notes

Import classification data

Also in Preservatives

Sodium Metabisulphite

EU and US regulatory context

Antioxidant / preservative

Recommended applications

Technical specification

Legal & compliance notes

Import classification data

Also in Preservatives

Potassium Sorbate

Sorbic Acid

Sodium Benzoate