YenzoWhat is E226 (calcium sulphite)?
It is calcium sulphite, one of the “sulfur dioxide–sulfites” (E220–E228) that EFSA assesses as one group.
E226Calcium sulphite
E226 is calcium sulphite, the calcium salt of sulphurous acid and one of the sulphites. In food it releases sulphur dioxide, holds back microbes and slows oxidation.
Did you know? EFSA recommended that the European Commission explore whether calcium sulphite (E226) and calcium bisulphite (E227) are still needed on the EU list of authorised additives, since the Mintel GNPD product database shows no product labelled with E226 and one with E227.
- Code
- E226 · INS 226
- Group
- Preservative, Antioxidant
In Vietnam✕ Not permitted in VietnamNot on Vietnam's list of permitted additives (Circular 24/2019); it may be used only in a product whose declaration is registered with the Vietnam Food Administration
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalehigh?Because it is not permitted in Vietnam; by the scientific evaluations alone: moderate
How E226 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, preservative (226), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
preservative (226)preservative 226E226INS 226
Questions about calcium sulphite
Is calcium 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 E226 permitted in Vietnam?
Calcium sulphite (INS 226) is not listed in Appendix 1 (the list of additives permitted in food) of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT. The sulphites listed there are INS 220–225.
Can children and pregnant women have calcium 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
E222Sodium hydrogen sulphitemoderateE223Sodium metabisulphitemoderateE224Potassium metabisulphitemoderateE225Potassium sulphitemoderateE227Calcium hydrogen sulphitehighE228Potassium hydrogen sulphitehigh
See all preservatives →Updated 21 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 1