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Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Sulphur Dioxide on Food Labels in EU

Sulphur Dioxide is permitted but requires specific warning statements in European Union: declare as "sulphur dioxide (E220)" with the required warning: Sulphur dioxide / sulphites are a major allergen requiring emphasis when present at >10mg/kg or >10mg/L SO2 equivalent.

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What the Rule Is

Antimicrobial and antioxidant preservative used in dried fruit, wine, and processed meat. In European Union, Sulphur Dioxide is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food preservative. Regulation (EU) 1169/2011: sulphur dioxide and sulphites are a major allergen when present above 10mg/kg. Must be declared by name with emphasis (bold/caps) in the ingredient list. Below 10mg/kg, declaration is not required as an allergen but must be declared as an additive if intentionally added.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "sulphur dioxide (E220)" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: Sulphur dioxide / sulphites are a major allergen requiring emphasis when present at >10mg/kg or >10mg/L SO2 equivalent
  • 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: Sulphur dioxide / sulphites are a major allergen requiring emphasis when present at >10mg/kg or >10mg/L SO2 equivalent
  • 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: sulphur dioxide (E220)" + warning: Sulphur dioxide / sulphites are a major allergen requiring emphasis when present at >10mg/kg or >10mg/L SO2 equivalent
"sulphur dioxide (E220)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... sulphur dioxide (E220) ..."

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 EU rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Declare as "sulphur dioxide (E220)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: Sulphur dioxide / sulphites are a major allergen requiring emphasis when present at >10mg/kg or >10mg/L SO2 equivalent. Regulation (EU) 1169/2011: sulphur dioxide and sulphites are a major allergen when present above 10mg/kg. Must be declared by name with emphasis (bold/caps) in the ingredient list. Below 10mg/kg, declaration is not required as an allergen but must be declared as an additive if intentionally added.

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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