YenzoWhat is E221 (sodium sulphite)?
It is sodium sulphite, one of the “sulfur dioxide–sulfites” (E220–E228) that EFSA assesses as one group. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E221 as preservative, antioxidant, flour treatment agent and bleaching agent.
E221Sodium sulphite
E221 is sodium sulphite, a salt of sulphur dioxide. In food it holds back microbes, slows oxidation and keeps the colour of dried fruit, vegetables and drinks. Sodium sulphite is also used mainly in the pulp and paper industry; this page is about its role as a food preservative and antioxidant (E221). (source: Sodium sulfite (PubChem CID 24437, HSDB use profile))
- Code
- E221 · INS 221
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalemoderate?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2022
How E221 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (221), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (221)preservative 221E221INS 221On Vietnamese labels: Natri sulfit
Sodium sulphite in food
Dried fruit, jams
Dried, pickled and frozen vegetables
Pasta, flour, starch
Fish and shellfishSugar, syrups
Seasonings, sauces, vinegarJuices, flavoured drinksWine, beer, cider
Potato and cereal snacksQuestions about sodium sulphite
Is sodium sulphite harmful?
In 2022 EFSA concluded that the available data were not adequate to set an ADI and withdrew the temporary group ADI of 0.7 mg/kg body weight per day (as SO₂ equivalents) set in 2016. It used a margin of exposure (MOE) instead, which should be at least 80. At the estimated intakes the MOE at the upper end of the 95th percentile range was below 80 in every population group except adolescents, and EFSA concluded that this raises a safety concern. The main sources are beer and wine for adults, and flavoured drinks and juices for children.
Is E221 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Sodium sulphite (INS 221) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as a preservative, antioxidant, flour treatment agent and bleaching agent.
Can children and pregnant women have sodium sulphite?
EFSA estimated intake separately for infants (12 weeks to 11 months), toddlers (12–35 months) and children (3–9 years). In all three groups the MOE at the upper end of the 95th percentile range was below the minimum of 80, which EFSA treated as a safety concern. For young children the main sources are flavoured drinks, juices and dried fruit. The opinion has no separate group for pregnant women.
Other preservatives
E218Methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE219Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE220Sulphur dioxidemoderateE222Sodium hydrogen sulphitemoderateE223Sodium metabisulphitemoderateE224Potassium metabisulphitemoderate
See all preservatives →Updated 22 October 2026
Sources (2)
- EFSA Journal: Follow-up of the re-evaluation of sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium bisulfite (E 222), sodium metabisulfite (E 223), potassium metabisulfite (E 224), calcium sulfite (E 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228) (2022).
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A (nhóm sulfit, INS 220–225)