Is Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (E220–E228) Halal?
Yes — this one is Halal.
Halal
High confidence About this ruling
About this ruling
- Evidence confidence
- High means this page cites a primary regulator listing and a named Halal certifier listing, retrieved 16 August 2026. That describes the quality of the sources on this page—not a Halal certificate for the pack or outlet in your hand.
Sulphur dioxide and sulphite/bisulphite/metabisulphite salts are inorganic preservatives used on dried fruit, wine, and some sausages.
Evidence at a glance
Named sources used for this page. Open the full Sources block for notes and citation numbers.
| Source | Type | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA — Re-evaluation of sulphur dioxide and sulphites (E220–E228) European Food Safety Authority | Regulatory / labelling | |
| 21 CFR § 182.3862 sulphur dioxide U.S. eCFR | Regulatory / labelling | |
| Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives European Union | Regulatory / labelling | |
| European Commission — Food additives European Commission | Regulatory / labelling | |
| Codex GSFA online FAO / WHO Codex | Regulatory / labelling | |
| SANHA — E-numbers SANHA | Certifier / jurisdiction | |
| U.S. FDA — Food additives U.S. Food and Drug Administration | Regulatory / labelling |
Additive identity
Possible source pathways
The finished molecule can be identical across feedstocks. The Halal ruling follows the pathway, not the code alone.
- mineral · Typical Halal Mineral or inorganic identity. Not meat, wine, or insect colour.
Sulphur dioxide (E220) and sulphite salts (E221–E228) are Halal mineral preservatives.[3][5] US packs often print sulfites.
Dried apricots are the everyday Halal example. Wine that lists sulphites is still wine.
Where you'll find it
- Dried fruit and potato products
- Wine and cider (the drink remains alcohol)
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.
- Sulphites → Halal salts.
- Wine is still wine.
- Allergen box ≠ haram box.
Conditions for Halal
- E220–E228 as listed sulphites → Halal mineral salts
- Wine / cider carrying sulphites → still alcohol
- Sulphite-treated meat still needs lawful slaughter
Scholarly differences
Sulphites in wine do not make wine Halal. Sulphites on apricots do not make apricots haram.
Frequently asked questions
Is E220 Halal?
Why is it highlighted on labels?
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
Regulatory / labelling
-
EFSA — Re-evaluation of sulphur dioxide and sulphites (E220–E228)
European Food Safety Authority
Substance identity—not a Halal certificate for a finished pack.
Retrieved:
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21 CFR § 182.3862 sulphur dioxide
U.S. eCFR
U.S. identity / GRAS or colour-additive listing—not a Halal ruling.
Retrieved:
-
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives
European Union
Union-list identity—not a Halal certificate.
Retrieved:
-
-
-
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
US identity / labelling context—not a Halal ruling.
Retrieved:
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