Objective In order to analyze the sulfur dioxide residue in dried aquatic products in 2015 and assess the potential risk of dietary exposure of sulfur dioxide in Chinese population. Methods The limit of sulfur dioxide in Codex was used for exposure assessment. The exposure of sulfur dioxide was compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) which was established by JECFA.Result It was found that 12.70% (79/622) of the samples violated the Codex limit. Furthermore, sulfur dioxide residue of dried shrimp was the most serious in which P95 value was 413.25 mg/kg and accounted for 1 377.50% of Codex limit. The dietary exposure in some major production areas, urban and Class I rural areas, as well as male and female of all age groups were higher than ADI calculated with the maximum residue. Dried shrimps were the main source of sulfur dioxide exposure compared with others. Conclusion At present, sulfur dioxide residue in dried aquatic products was common, most of which were still at the safe level. The sulfur dioxide dietary exposure of general Chinese population was below the ADI.