The European Union has announced Commission Regulation (EU) No 59/2014 (1) in the Official Journal on 23 January 2014 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (2) of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sulphur dioxide – sulphites (E220-228) in aromatized wine-based products.
The changes and amendments in Commission Regulation (EU) No 59/2014 are related to the list of food additives approved for use in foods and their conditions of use.
Sulphites as Wine Preservatives
Sulphur dioxide — sulphites (E 220-228: Sulphur dioxide, Sodium sulphite, Sodium hydrogen sulphite, Sodium metabisulphite, Potassium metabisulphite, Calcium sulphite, Calcium hydrogen sulphite, Potassium hydrogen sulphite) are allowed to be used as preservative and antioxidant in aromatized wine–based products. They are added to stop oxidation and to prevent microbiological contamination, resulting in a better preservation of flavor and color of the products. These products, such as vermouth, should in particular be protected as they are often needed to be preserved for a long time after the bottle has been opened.