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Are Sulphur Dioxide and Sulphites (E220–E228) Halal?

Yes — this one is Halal.

Halal
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About this ruling

Evidence confidence
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Reviewed

Sulphur dioxide and sulphite/bisulphite/metabisulphite salts are inorganic preservatives used on dried fruit, wine, and some sausages.

Next step Treat sulphur dioxide and sulphite salts as Halal mineral preservatives. They are allergen-labelled for asthma, not because they are animal. How to verify
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Photo: Chris Bohn from Gainesville, FL, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Additive identity

E-number
E220, E221, E222, E223, E224, E226, E227, E228
Codex INS
INS 220, INS 221, INS 222, INS 223, INS 224, INS 226, INS 227, INS 228
Function
preservative
Family
sulphites
EU Union list
authorised
Names
Sulphur dioxide; Sodium sulphite; Sodium hydrogen sulphite; Sodium metabisulphite; Potassium metabisulphite; Calcium sulphite; Calcium hydrogen sulphite; Potassium hydrogen sulphite

Possible source pathways

The finished molecule can be identical across feedstocks. The Halal ruling follows the pathway, not the code alone.

E220 Possible source pathways

  • mineral Halal Typical Mineral or inorganic identity. Not meat, wine, or insect colour.

E-number database

What decides the answer

  • E220–E228 as listed sulphites

    Halal mineral salts

  • Wine / cider carrying sulphites

    still alcohol

  • Sulphite-treated meat still needs lawful slaughter

Why this ruling

Sulphur dioxide (E220) and the sulphite salts (E221–E228) are some of the oldest food preservatives in use. They are simple mineral compounds of sulphur, so as additives they are Halal.[3][5] US labels spell them sulfites.

The family

  • E220 sulphur dioxide, a gas
  • E221 sodium sulphite and E222 sodium bisulphite
  • E223 sodium metabisulphite and E224 potassium metabisulphite
  • E226 calcium sulphite, E227 calcium bisulphite and E228 potassium bisulphite

All of them release sulphur dioxide in the food, which slows browning and stops yeasts, moulds and bacteria. EFSA's re-evaluation covers the whole group together,[1] and US rules list sulphur dioxide as a generally recognised preservative.[2] Certifier E-number lists put them with the additives that need no source check.[6]

Where you will find them

  • Dried apricots, golden sultanas and other pale dried fruit – the reason sulphured apricots stay orange while unsulphured ones turn brown.
  • Fruit juice concentrates, cordials and squashes.
  • Pickled onions, some vinegars and bottled lemon juice.
  • Frozen prawns, to stop black spots forming on the shell.
  • British-style sausages and burgers, where sodium metabisulphite is the usual preservative.
  • Wine, cider and beer, which is where most people have seen the word.

The additive does not change the food

The ruling on the preservative is separate from the ruling on what it preserves:

  • Wine that "contains sulphites" is still wine, and Haram. A "no added sulphites" wine is also still wine. See wine and beer.
  • A sausage with sodium metabisulphite still needs Halal meat and Halal slaughter. See sausage.
  • Dried apricots with E220 are Halal. The sulphite is the only additive in most packs.
  • Vinegar with sulphites is judged as vinegar. See vinegar.

For people with sensitivities

Some people, especially some with asthma, react to sulphites. That is a health matter, not a Halal one, and EU and UK labels must name sulphites as an allergen when they are present above a small threshold. For another common preservative, see potassium sorbate (E202).

How to verify

  1. Match E220–E228, sulphur dioxide, or metabisulphite.
  2. The salt is Halal.
  3. If the food is wine, the drink is still haram. If it is dried fruit, the fruit is Halal unless something else fails.

Quick checks

  • Sulphites are mineral preservatives: Halal wherever they appear.
  • “Contains sulphites” is an allergy warning; it does not mean alcohol.
  • In sausages and burgers, the sulphite is fine; the meat and casing are what to check.

Frequently asked questions

Is sulphur dioxide Halal?
Yes. Sulphur dioxide (E220) and the sulphite salts (E221–E228) are mineral preservatives with no animal source.
Are dried apricots with sulphites Halal?
Yes. Sulphite keeps them bright orange. Unsulphured apricots are brown and are sold for people with a sulphite allergy.
Is sodium metabisulphite in sausages Halal?
The preservative is. UK breakfast sausages and burgers often use it, and they are usually pork unless labelled otherwise.
Does “contains sulphites” mean alcohol?
No. It is an allergen warning, also found on dried fruit, bottled lemon juice, vinegar and prawns. Wine contains sulphites, but so do many foods that are Halal.

Scholarly view

Sulphites in wine do not make wine Halal. Sulphites on apricots do not make apricots haram.

Sources

Named Islamic, certifier, manufacturer, and regulatory sources used on this page. Inline markers like [1] jump here. Retrieval dates show when we last checked the live URL. Editorial methodology.

Certifier / jurisdiction

  1. SANHA — E-numbers

    SANHA Retrieved

    Certifier: SANHA

    Certifier E-number literacy; not a product certificate.

Regulatory / labelling

  1. EFSA — Re-evaluation of sulphur dioxide and sulphites (E220–E228)

    European Food Safety Authority Retrieved

    Substance identity—not a Halal certificate for a finished pack.

  2. 21 CFR § 182.3862 sulphur dioxide

    U.S. eCFR Retrieved

    U.S. identity / GRAS or colour-additive listing—not a Halal ruling.

  3. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives

    European Union Retrieved

    Union-list identity—not a Halal certificate.

  4. European Commission — Food additives

    European Commission Retrieved

    EU additive literacy hub.

  5. Codex GSFA online

    FAO / WHO Codex Retrieved

    Codex INS / GSFA identity.

  6. U.S. FDA — Food additives

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration Retrieved

    US identity / labelling context—not a Halal ruling.

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