Sulphur dioxide

Studies in people

• Open question

  Children's intake risk²

  In some Chinese children, eating sulphur dioxide in food added up to more than the safe daily amount.

Animal and lab studies only

• Concern

  Male fertility⁵

  In animal studies, sulphur dioxide in an apricot drink was linked to sperm changes and testis tissue changes.

Study type not stated

• Concern

  Gut and oral bacteria³

  Eating sulphur dioxide has been linked to upset gut and mouth bacteria, plus allergic reactions in some people.

• Concern

  Children's health risk⁴

  In some dried fruits and vegetables, sulphur dioxide levels were high enough that children could take in too much.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.