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Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Sulphur Dioxide on Food Labels in UK

Sulphur Dioxide is permitted but requires specific warning statements in United Kingdom: declare as "sulphur dioxide (E220) or sulphites" with the required warning: Major allergen declaration required above 10mg/kg SO2 equivalent.

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What the Rule Is

Antimicrobial and antioxidant preservative used in dried fruit, wine, and processed meat. In United Kingdom, Sulphur Dioxide is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food preservative. UK FIC retains the 10mg/kg threshold. Sulphites are a named major allergen requiring emphasis in the ingredient list. Wine and beer in EU/UK must declare sulphites if >10mg/L.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "sulphur dioxide (E220) or sulphites" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: Major allergen declaration required above 10mg/kg 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: Major allergen declaration required above 10mg/kg 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) or sulphites" + warning: Major allergen declaration required above 10mg/kg SO2 equivalent
"sulphur dioxide (E220) or sulphites" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... sulphur dioxide (E220) or sulphites ..."

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 UK rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Declare as "sulphur dioxide (E220) or sulphites" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: Major allergen declaration required above 10mg/kg SO2 equivalent. UK FIC retains the 10mg/kg threshold. Sulphites are a named major allergen requiring emphasis in the ingredient list. Wine and beer in EU/UK must declare sulphites if >10mg/L.

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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