LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Sulphur Dioxide on Food Labels in US

Sulphur Dioxide is permitted but requires specific warning statements in United States: declare as "sulfur dioxide, or the specific sulphite salt name (sodium bisulfite, etc.)" with the required warning: Must carry "Contains: Sulfites" allergen declaration when used intentionally or when detectable.

Check My Label for US CompliancePaste Ingredients List
What the Rule Is

Antimicrobial and antioxidant preservative used in dried fruit, wine, and processed meat. In United States, Sulphur Dioxide is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food preservative. FDA requires declaration of sulphites when added, with no defined threshold. Sulphites are a major allergen requiring plain English declaration in the "Contains" statement. Additionally, FDA prohibits sulphite use in fresh fruits and vegetables (other than grapes) due to asthma reactions.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "sulfur dioxide, or the specific sulphite salt name (sodium bisulfite, etc.)" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: Must carry "Contains: Sulfites" allergen declaration when used intentionally or when detectable
  • 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: Must carry "Contains: Sulfites" allergen declaration when used intentionally or when detectable
  • 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: sulfur dioxide, or the specific sulphite salt name (sodium bisulfite, etc.)" + warning: Must carry "Contains: Sulfites" allergen declaration when used intentionally or when detectable
"sulfur dioxide, or the specific sulphite salt name (sodium bisulfite, etc.)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... sulfur dioxide, or the specific sulphite salt name (sodium bisulfite, etc.) ..."

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 US rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
Frequently Asked Questions

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

Declare as "sulfur dioxide, or the specific sulphite salt name (sodium bisulfite, etc.)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: Must carry "Contains: Sulfites" allergen declaration when used intentionally or when detectable. FDA requires declaration of sulphites when added, with no defined threshold. Sulphites are a major allergen requiring plain English declaration in the "Contains" statement. Additionally, FDA prohibits sulphite use in fresh fruits and vegetables (other than grapes) due to asthma reactions.

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.

Ensure US Compliance

Get your label checked against all US regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
US Compliance Hub

Explore all US labeling requirements in one place.

View US Hub

Ready to Ensure Full US Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FDCA & FSMA requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide