Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Sulphur Dioxide on Food Labels in Canada

Sulphur Dioxide is permitted but requires specific warning statements in Canada: declare as "sulphites or specific salt name" with the required warning: Major allergen: must declare when present.

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What the Rule Is

Antimicrobial and antioxidant preservative used in dried fruit, wine, and processed meat. In Canada, Sulphur Dioxide is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food preservative. Health Canada requires sulphites declaration as a priority allergen. The general rule is any intentional addition must be declared. Threshold >10ppm triggers mandatory allergen labeling.

What You Must Include

Declare as "sulphites or specific salt name" in the ingredient list
Include the required warning: Major allergen: must declare when present
Declare with functional class: "preservative" and E-number E220
Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources

Common Violations

Missing the mandatory warning: Major allergen: must declare when present
Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Sulphur Dioxide
Omitting the E-number E220 where required
Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Sulphur Dioxide content

Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative: sulphites or specific salt name" + warning: Major allergen: must declare when present

"sulphites or specific salt name" in ingredient list

Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... sulphites or specific salt name ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (SO2, Sulfur dioxide) without the approved declaration name

Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration

"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required

How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Sulphur Dioxide and all its common names (E220, SO2, Sulfur dioxide, Sulphites) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and mandatory warning statements under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Sulphur Dioxide be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "sulphites or specific salt name" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: Major allergen: must declare when present. Health Canada requires sulphites declaration as a priority allergen. The general rule is any intentional addition must be declared. Threshold >10ppm triggers mandatory allergen labeling.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Sulphur Dioxide?

Sulphur Dioxide may appear under the following names: E220, SO2, Sulfur dioxide, Sulphites, E221-E228 (sulphite salts). Common hidden sources include: Dried apricots, Wine, Beer, Fruit juices, Sausages, Pickled vegetables, Shrimp.

Is Sulphur Dioxide banned or restricted in any market?

Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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