FDA Status
GRAS
Sodium Metabisulfite (E223), CAS 7681-57-4, is a preservative additive holding a composite safety score of 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 276 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Wine, dried fruits, shrimp.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Sodium Metabisulfite to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Sodium Metabisulfite, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2016-04-14, with an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.7. EFSA has noted an overexposure risk classification of "high" for typical consumption patterns. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E223 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7681-57-4 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 0.7 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 276 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
3.0 / 5
Composite Safety Mixed Evidence
Safety Score: 3 out of 5
Safety Rating 60.0%
EU Status
Approved
E223
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Sodium Metabisulfite receives a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Sodium Metabisulfite as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Sodium Metabisulfite. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Sodium Metabisulfite?
Sulfite preservative and antioxidant.
Health Concerns
- Triggers asthma in sulfite-sensitive individuals (~1%).
Common Uses
Wine, dried fruits, shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Metabisulfite safe to consume?
Sodium Metabisulfite has a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Sodium Metabisulfite used for in food?
Sodium Metabisulfite is commonly used as: Wine, dried fruits, shrimp. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
Is Sodium Metabisulfite banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Sodium Metabisulfite. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Sodium Metabisulfite?
The FDA classifies Sodium Metabisulfite as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E223). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Sodium Metabisulfite?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sodium Metabisulfite: Triggers asthma in sulfite-sensitive individuals (~1%).. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Sodium Metabisulfite calculated?
The safety score of 3/5 for Sodium Metabisulfite is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Preservative Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial