Sodium metabisulfite
Score impact
-0.40
points/product
Description
E223, also known as sodium metabisulfite, is a food additive belonging to the category of preservatives and antioxidants. It is an inorganic salt of sodium and sulfurous acid, with chemical formula Na2S2O5. Its origin is synthetic, although sulfites occur naturally in some foods during fermentation. Industrially, it is obtained by reacting sulfur dioxide (SO2) with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide, followed by a crystallization and drying process.
Sodium metabisulfite appears as a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder with a characteristic odor of sulfur dioxide. It is soluble in water and glycerin, 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 oxidation and browning of foods.
The history of its use as a food additive dates back to the 19th century, when it began to be used in wine preservation. In the European Union, it was approved as a food additive after Directive 95/2/EC and is currently regulated by Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reassessed its safety several times, most recently in 2016, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.7 mg of SO2 equivalent per kg of body weight per day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated sulfites, setting a similar ADI.
The overall safety assessment indicates that, at authorized levels, E223 is safe for the general population, although it may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. On food labels, it must be declared as "sodium metabisulfite" or "E223", and when the SO2 concentration exceeds 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L, the warning "contains sulfites" must be included.
E223 is used in a wide variety of foods and beverages. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, its main uses include: wines and sparkling wines (up to 200 mg/L total SO2, although it varies by wine type and sugar content), beers (up to 20 mg/L), ciders (up to 200 mg/L), dried fruits (up to 2,000 mg/kg in apricots, peaches, grapes, plums, and figs), pickled vegetables (up to 100 mg/kg), dehydrated potatoes (up to 400 mg/kg), cooked crustaceans (up to 150 mg/kg), and bakery products (up to 200 mg/kg in flours for biscuits).
In the Spanish market, it is commonly found in white and red wines, beers, dried fruits (dried apricots, raisins), frozen french fries, and some processed meat products. The US FDA also permits the use of sodium metabisulfite in foods, with similar limits, although in Japan its use is more restricted, especially in fresh fruits and vegetables. The comparison shows that the EU has more detailed limits by food category.
The side effects of E223 are mainly associated with individuals sensitive to sulfites, who represent approximately 1% of the population, with a higher prevalence in asthmatics (5-10%). Symptoms may include: headaches, hives, facial flushing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.
The biological mechanism is not fully elucidated, but it is believed that sulfites may trigger an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction or an intolerance due to sulfite oxidase deficiency. Studies have shown that sulfite intake can cause bronchoconstriction in sensitive asthmatics. EFSA, in its 2016 reassessment, concluded that there is no evidence of carcinogenic, genotoxic, or reproductive effects in humans at authorized doses. However, it recommended maintaining the ADI of 0.7 mg/kg/day. Sensitive populations should avoid foods with high sulfite content.
No significant interactions with medications have been documented, although caution is recommended in people taking corticosteroids or theophylline, as they could potentiate adverse effects.
In conclusion, for the majority of the population, E223 is safe within established limits.
- Sodium disulfite
- Sodium pyrosulfite
- Sodium metabisulfite
- Sodium pyrosulfite
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
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