YenzoWhat is E222 (sodium hydrogen sulphite)?
It is sodium hydrogen sulphite (sodium bisulphite), one of the “sulfur dioxide–sulfites” (E220–E228) that EFSA assesses as one group. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists E222 as preservative and antioxidant.
E222Sodium hydrogen sulphite
E222 is sodium hydrogen sulphite (sodium bisulphite), a salt of sulphur dioxide. In food it holds back microbes and slows oxidation; it is often used in wine, juices and processed fruit.
- Code
- E222 · INS 222
- Group
- Preservative, Antioxidant
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 E222 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (222), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (222)preservative 222E222INS 222On Vietnamese labels: Natri hydro sulfit
Sodium hydrogen 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 hydrogen sulphite
Is sodium hydrogen 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 E222 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Sodium hydrogen sulphite (INS 222) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, as a preservative and antioxidant.
Can children and pregnant women have sodium hydrogen 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
E219Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoatelowE220Sulphur dioxidemoderateE221Sodium sulphitemoderateE223Sodium metabisulphitemoderateE224Potassium metabisulphitemoderateE225Potassium sulphitemoderate
See all preservatives →Updated 20 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)