Is e220 vegan?

E220 is the European food additive code for sulfur dioxide, an inorganic chemical compound used primarily as a preservative and antioxidant. It is produced industrially by burning elemental sulfur or by roasting sulfide minerals such as iron pyrite. Sulfur dioxide is also recovered as a byproduct during the commercial processing of crude oil and natural gas. In the food and beverage sector, it is commonly added to dried fruits, wine, beer, fruit juices, and processed vegetable products to prevent browning and inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria and fungi.

This ingredient is classified as vegan because it is derived exclusively from mineral and synthetic sources. Animal-derived ingredients, tissues, and byproducts are not utilized at any stage of the extraction or chemical manufacturing process. Because sulfur dioxide is produced entirely from non-animal geological materials and chemical synthesis, E220 is free from animal content and suitable for a vegan diet.