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🧪 Sulphites allergy: label names, hidden sources & scanning
Sulphites are preservatives (E220–E228) rather than a protein allergen — they can trigger asthma-like reactions in sensitive people. In the EU and US they must be declared above 10 mg/kg, which is why wine and dried fruit labels mention them.
Hidden label names our scanner matches
An ingredient list can contain sulphites without ever using the word. These are the actual terms Scallergy's matching engine checks — the same list the app uses when it scans a barcode:
Common derivatives
Where sulphites commonly hides
- wine, cider and beer
- dried fruit
- processed potato products
- shrimp and dried fish (treatment)
- fruit juices and syrups
- pickled vegetables
How Scallergy verdicts sulphites
Avoid — sulphites (or one of the label names above) appears in the product's ingredient list.
Caution — the product carries a “may contain” / cross-contamination warning for it.
Unknown — we don't have trustworthy ingredient data, and we say so instead of guessing. The verdict is always driven by what's in the product; the severity you set in your profile is shown as context.
Scan for sulphites in seconds
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Frequently asked questions
Which label names mean sulphites?
Beyond the word “sulphites” itself, look for terms like sulfites, sulphur dioxide, sulfur dioxide, e220, e221, e222. These are the exact terms Scallergy's scanner matches when it checks an ingredient list.
Does sulphites have to be declared on the label?
In the EU, yes — it is one of the 14 Annex II allergens (Regulation 1169/2011) and must be emphasised in the ingredient list. In the US it is not one of the FDA's 9 major allergens, so labelling is less strict — read ingredient lists carefully on imported products.
What does “may contain sulphites” mean?
“May contain” is a voluntary cross-contamination warning: the product doesn't list it as an ingredient, but it is made where contact is possible. Scallergy shows these as a Caution verdict — distinct from Avoid, which means the allergen is actually in the ingredient list.
Can Scallergy guarantee a product is sulphites-free?
No — no app can. Scallergy checks ingredient data from USDA FoodData Central, Open Food Facts, and community submissions, shows its source and an honest “Unknown” when data is thin, and is assistive only: always check the printed label and follow your allergist's advice.
Related allergens
Scallergy is assistive, not medical advice. Ingredient data can be incomplete or out of date — always check the physical label and consult an allergist about your allergies. Sources: EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Annex II); US FALCPA (2004) and FASTER Act (2021); our data sources.