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E226PreservativeModerate concern
Calcium Sulfite
In plain words
The short version
A calcium sulfite preservative releasing SO2 — same anti-browning role and sulfite sensitivity concerns.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
Part of the sulfite group (JECFA group ADI 0–0.7 mg/kg body weight as SO2). In 2022 EFSA withdrew its temporary group ADI for the sulfites and concluded that estimated dietary exposures raise a safety concern. Same asthma and sensitivity concerns as other sulfites; mandatory labelling above 10 mg/kg.
The detail
The calcium salt of sulfurous acid.
Preservative and antioxidant releasing sulfur dioxide, used in some fruit and vegetable products and historically as a cider and brewing processing aid.
White powder, sparingly soluble in water.
Permitted in the EU with sulfite limits and labelling. In the US, calcium sulfite is not among the sulfiting agents named in FDA food regulations (sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, and sodium and potassium bisulfite and metabisulfite).
Sources
- EFSA FAF Panel — Follow-up of the re-evaluation of sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), ... calcium sulfite (E 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228) (2022) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal 2022;20(11):7594), 2022. Safety: EFSA withdrew the temporary sulfite group ADI (covers E 226)
- WHO JECFA database — Calcium sulfite — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO), 1998. Safety: part of the JECFA sulfite group ADI 0-0.7 mg/kg bw as SO2
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated version of 18 August 2026 — Publications Office of the European Union, 2026. Regulation: permitted in the EU
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011), Annex II — Publications Office of the EU — Publications Office of the European Union, 2011. Safety/regulation: mandatory sulphite labelling above 10 mg/kg
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.