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E227: Calcium hydrogen sulphite

Calcium metabisulphite; calcium bisulphite

Origin:
Calcium salt of sulphurous acid.

Function & characteristics:
It is a greenish fluid, which reacts to form calcium sulphite. In acidic conditions it forms sulphurous acid, which acts as a preservative. It is used as a preservative in beer production. It increases the firmness of canned vegetables (due to the calcium).

Products:
Beer

Acceptable Daily Intake:
Up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
It is reduced in the liver to harmless sulphate and excreted in the urine.

People who are intolerant towards natural sulphites should also avoid added sulphites (E221-228).

Dietary restrictions:
None – sulphur dioxide and sulphites can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.