E226 — Calcium sulphite
E226 (Calcium sulphite), a preservative, is rated "avoid": worth avoiding. A sulphite preservative used in some wines and brewing. Same asthma-trigger concern for the roughly 1% of people sensitive to sulphites.
What is Calcium sulphite?
The calcium salt of sulphite, used as a preservative in some wines, brewing, and dehydrated vegetables. Less common than the sodium and potassium versions.
What does it do to the body?
Behaves like the rest of the sulphite family in the body. Triggers asthma-like reactions in the small fraction (~1%) of people who are sulphite-sensitive, mostly asthmatics.
What regulators say
Covered by the EFSA 2022 follow-up that withdrew the temporary group acceptable daily intake for all sulphites pending more data. EU labels must declare sulphites when present above 10 mg per kg.
Risk rating: Avoid
Known or suspected to cause harm: a substance EFSA or another regulator has flagged, or one restricted in some jurisdictions. Best kept out of a regular diet.
Source: EFSA — follow-up on sulfites (2022) ↗