Sodium bisulfite
Score impact
-0.40
points/product
Description
E222, also known as sodium bisulfite, is a food additive belonging to the category of preservatives and antioxidants. It is an inorganic salt of sodium and sulfurous acid, with the chemical formula NaHSO3. Its origin is synthetic, obtained by reacting sulfur dioxide (SO2) with a solution of sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.
Industrially, it is produced by bubbling SO2 through a solution of sodium carbonate until the appropriate pH is reached, forming sodium bisulfite. It is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder with a characteristic odor of sulfur dioxide. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Its main function is to act as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and molds) and as an antioxidant, preventing enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables. It is also used to bleach certain foods and to maintain the color of meat and seafood products.
The history of its use dates back to ancient times, when sulfur dioxide was used to fumigate wines. In the European Union, E222 has been approved as a food additive since the 1970s, regulated by Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety on several occasions, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.7 mg of SO2 equivalent per kg of body weight per day (expressed as sulfur dioxide).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated this additive, setting the same ADI. The overall safety assessment is that, in authorized amounts, it does not pose a significant health risk to the general population. However, it can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals, especially asthmatics.
On labeling, it must be declared by its name or E number, and in the European Union it is mandatory to indicate "contains sulfites" when the concentration exceeds 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L (expressed as SO2). This is important so that allergic or intolerant consumers can easily identify it.
In summary, E222 is an effective and safe additive for the majority of the population, but requires clear labeling to protect sensitive groups.
E222 is used in a wide variety of processed foods. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, it is authorized in categories such as: alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider), dried or canned fruits and vegetables, frozen or canned seafood, potato products, sauces, vinegars, mustards, fruit juices, jams, marmalades, jellies, and bakery products.
In the Spanish market, common examples include wines (red, white, rosé), beers, ciders, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), frozen french fries, frozen seafood (shrimp, prawns), prepared sauces, vinegars, mustards, lemon and orange juices, jams, and sliced bread. Maximum limits vary by product: for example, in wines up to 200 mg/L (expressed as SO2), in dried fruits up to 2000 mg/kg, in frozen seafood up to 100 mg/kg, and in fruit juices up to 20 mg/L. Compared to the US FDA, sodium bisulfite is classified as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for certain uses, but with similar restrictions. Japan also allows it with comparable limits. The ADI established by EFSA and WHO is 0.7 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as SO2).
It is important to note that sulfite consumption may exceed the ADI in people who consume large amounts of wine or foods rich in sulfites, but in general, the average exposure of the population is below the safe limit.
The documented side effects of E222 are mainly due to the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the body. The most sensitive individuals are those with asthma, especially corticosteroid-dependent asthmatics or those with sulfite sensitivity. In these individuals, sulfite intake can trigger adverse reactions such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, hives, angioedema, and in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
The biological mechanism is not fully elucidated, but it is believed that SO2 can irritate the airways and trigger a histamine-mediated bronchoconstrictor response. Sulfites have also been reported to cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and skin reactions in sensitive individuals. EFSA and WHO conclude that, for the general population, sulfites are safe in authorized amounts, but recommend clear labeling so that asthmatics and sensitive individuals can avoid them.
No significant interactions with medications have been established, although theoretically they could interfere with the absorption of thiamine (vitamin B1) if consumed in large amounts, but this is not relevant at dietary doses. In animal studies, very high doses have shown toxic effects, but these are not extrapolable to normal human consumption.
In summary, side effects are rare and limited to sensitive populations; for most consumers, E222 is safe.
- Sodium bisulfite
- Sodium hydrogen sulfite
- Sodium acid sulfite
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