Ingredient Information

Function

Sodium metabisulfite, also known as pyrosulfite, is an inorganic compound with a powder-like consistency and white to yellow color. Sodium metabisulfite has many uses as a sanitizing agent, preservative and chemical antioxidant. In the food industry, it is used as a preserving and antioxidant agent also known as E223. Sodium metabisulfite is commonly used as a food preservative in dried fruits, potato chips and concentrated fruit juices. It can also be found in bread, cakes, pastries and frozen foods. Sodium metabisulfite can be also found in wine and beer.

Other Use and Industries

Concentrated sodium metabisulfite is used to remove tree stumps, it is also used in the photography industry for its chemical properties. In the pharmaceutical industry it is used as an excipient in paracetamol tablets and epinephrine injections. It is also used in laboratory tests to detect sickle cell anemia.

It is used as a sanitizing agent, mainly in wine and beer making equipment.

It is also used in cleaning potable water in a process known as reverse osmosis.

Health Effects

Sodium metabisulfite may cause allergic reactions in people with a known sensitivity to sulfites, it can cause extreme allergic reactions in some individuals and the signs of these reactions may include hives, swelling, bronco constriction, shortness of breath and anaphylactic shock. If contact with the skin happens the area in effect will turn red and itchy. If pure sodium metabisulfite comes into the contact with the eyes it may result in irreversible corneal damage.

Sodium metabisulfite can be harmful to asthmatics and people with other respiratory conditions. It may also cause skin, eye and gastric irritation.

Origins

Sodium metabisulfite is a combination of sodium, oxygen, sulphur and hydrogen. Its creation process is a chemical reaction that, by adding these compounds or their precursors, will result in sodium metabisulfite.