Sodium Metabisulphite (INS 223)

Quick Facts

INS Number

223

E-Number

E223

Category

Preservative

Veg Status

Vegan

FSSAI Status

Permitted with restrictions

JECFA ADI

0-0.7 mg/kg bw (1986)

Chemical Name

sodium metabisulphite (Na2S2O5)

What is INS 223?

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.

Why brands add it

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.

Where you'll find it

INS 223 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:

• dried fruits and dried vegetables
• fruit pulps and concentrates
• squashes and cordials
• pickles and chutneys
• wine and fruit wines
• biscuits and dried bakery goods

Veg or non-veg? - Vegan

Sodium metabisulphite is produced by reacting sodium carbonate with sulphur dioxide. No animal product is used in its manufacture.

FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation

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).

Also known as

On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 223 is also called: