Is e223 vegan?

E223 is the European food additive code for sodium metabisulfite, an inorganic chemical compound widely utilized as a preservative, antioxidant, and bleaching agent. It is manufactured industrially through chemical synthesis by reacting sulfur dioxide gas with an alkaline sodium solution, such as sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. The resulting solution is then crystallized and dried to form a white powder.

Manufacturers list sodium metabisulfite in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It is frequently found in dried fruits, processed potato products, jams, baked goods, fruit juices, and fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine and cider, where it helps inhibit microbial spoilage and prevent discoloration caused by enzymatic browning.

E223 is vegan because it is derived entirely from mineral and synthetic sources. The raw chemical inputs and industrial manufacturing methods involve no animal tissues, animal derivatives, or animal-based processing aids. Because no animal components are used at any stage of production, it consistently meets vegan standards.