What is E226?
E226 is Calcium sulphite, a food additive used as a preservative. A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Also written as: INS 226, E-226, E 226. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E226 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E226 (Calcium sulphite) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E226 halal?
E226 (Calcium sulphite) is halal. A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
What is E226 made from?
Mineral salt.
What is E226 used for?
E226 is used as a preservative, typically in soft drinks, bread, cured meats, dried fruit and sauces.
What should I do if a product contains E226?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E226 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E226 (Calcium sulphite) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.