Calcium Sulfite E226
inorganic — Primarily synthetic.
Calcium sulfite
CAS: 10257-55-3
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Calcium Sulfite?
Calcium sulfite is a calcium salt of sulfurous acid used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, primarily in wine production and fruit preservation. It belongs to the sulfite group (E221–E228) sharing a group ADI of 0.7 mg/kg body weight (as SO₂) set by JECFA. Like other sulfites, it can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals including asthmatics. EU Regulation 1333/2008 restricts its use to specific food categories with maximum permitted levels.
? Did You Know?
Calcium Sulfite isn't just a food additive — it's also used in industrial applications.
To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~4 glasses of wine (150ml) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)
Regulatory Analysis
Calcium sulfite (E226) is regulated as part of the sulfite group (E220–E228), all of which share a collective group ADI of 0.7 mg/kg body weight (expressed as SO₂ equivalents) established by EFSA and JECFA in 2016. The group evaluation approach means that individual sulfite forms are not assessed independently for safety but are considered interchangeable sources of the active sulfite anion. EFSA's 2016 opinion noted that aggregate dietary sulfite exposure, particularly from wine and dried fruit, could approach or exceed the ADI for some adult consumer groups. EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 requires allergen labeling when total sulfite content exceeds 10 mg/kg, reflecting that the primary acute regulatory concern for sulfites is hypersensitivity in asthmatic and sulfite-sensitive individuals, a population estimated at approximately 1% of the general population.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Restricted use; must be labeled when present above 10 ppm due to allergen concerns
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Must be declared on labels; sulfites must be labeled when ≥10 ppm
Japan (MHLW)
Approved as designated food additive
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Produced by reacting calcium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide gas.
Applications Beyond Food
Used in water treatment and as a reducing agent