INS 223 is sodium metabisulphite, a solid form of the sulphite preservative family that releases sulphur dioxide (INS 220) when added to food. It is used wherever a powder is easier to handle than the gas. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories with restrictions.
INS 223 is sodium metabisulphite, a solid form of the sulphite preservative family that releases sulphur dioxide (INS 220) when added to food. It is used wherever a powder is easier to handle than the gas.
Brands use it because the powder is easier to dose into pickles, dried fruit, fruit pulps, and squashes than sulphur dioxide gas. The end effect on the food is the same: stops browning, stops microbial growth.
INS 223 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Sodium metabisulphite is produced by reacting sodium carbonate with sulphur dioxide. No animal product is used in its manufacture.
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as a preservative under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, covered by the same group entry and limits as sulphur dioxide (INS 220-228). FSS labelling rules require the declaration 'Contains sulphites' or 'Contains added sulphur dioxide' when residual SO2 in the final product exceeds 10 mg/kg.
JECFA: Covered by the same group ADI 0-0.7 mg/kg body weight (expressed as SO2) for sulphur dioxide and the sulphite salts INS 221-228 retained at the 30th JECFA (1986).
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 223 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-29.