Calcium bisulfite
Score impact
-0.40
points/product
Description
E227, known as calcium bisulfite, is a food additive belonging to the preservative category. It is an inorganic salt of calcium and sulfurous acid, with the chemical formula Ca(HSO3)2. It appears as a white or slightly yellowish powder with a characteristic sulfur dioxide odor. Industrially, it is obtained by reacting sulfur dioxide (SO2) with an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), followed by filtration and drying.
Its main function is to act as an antimicrobial preservative and antioxidant, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, as well as preventing enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning. It is also used as a bleaching agent in some products.
The use of sulfites as preservatives dates back to ancient times, but their approval in the European Union was formalized with Directive 95/2/EC, currently included in Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated calcium bisulfite several times, most recently in 2016, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.7 mg SO2 equivalent per kg of body weight per day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated sulfites, setting a similar ADI. This ADI applies to all sulfites (E220-E228) expressed as SO2.
Regarding food safety, calcium bisulfite is considered safe for the general population when consumed within established limits. However, it may cause adverse reactions in people sensitive to sulfites, especially asthmatics. Labeling must declare the additive by name or E number, and in the EU it is mandatory to indicate the presence of sulfites when they exceed 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L in the final product, as they are potential allergens. Overall, it is an effective and safe preservative for most consumers, but requires rigorous control in sensitive populations.
Calcium bisulfite (E227) is mainly used as a preservative and antioxidant in a variety of processed foods. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, it is authorized in the European Union for use in categories such as: alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider), processed fruits and vegetables (canned, dried, frozen), potato products, fresh or frozen crustaceans and mollusks, and some bakery products. Maximum limits vary by product; for example, in wine the limit is 200 mg/L (expressed as SO2) for red wines and 400 mg/L for white and rosé wines. In dried fruits, the limit can reach 2000 mg/kg.
In the Spanish market, it is found in wines, ciders, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), frozen french fries, and some frozen seafood. Comparatively, the FDA allows the use of sulfites in foods but has prohibited their use in fresh fruits and vegetables (except potatoes) since 1986 due to allergic reactions. Japan also regulates sulfites with limits similar to the EU.
It is important to note that calcium bisulfite is not authorized in meat products or baby foods.
The side effects of calcium bisulfite are mainly associated with sulfite sensitivity, which affects approximately 1% of the population, with a higher prevalence in asthmatics (5-10%). Symptoms may include urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchospasm, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
The biological mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that sulfites can trigger a type I hypersensitivity reaction mediated by IgE or a pseudo-allergic reaction due to direct histamine release. It has also been documented that sulfites can destroy thiamine (vitamin B1) in foods, which could contribute to deficiencies in populations with diets rich in processed foods. Animal studies have shown neurological and gastrointestinal effects at very high doses, but these are not relevant to normal human exposure.
EFSA concluded that dietary exposure to sulfites does not exceed the ADI for the general population, except in some high-consumption groups (e.g., heavy wine drinkers). No significant drug interactions have been established, although caution is recommended in patients treated with corticosteroids or bronchodilators.
In conclusion, for most people, calcium bisulfite is safe in permitted amounts, but individuals with asthma or known sulfite allergy should avoid foods containing it.
- Calcium bisulfite
- Calcium hydrogen sulfite
- Calcium bisulfite
- Calcium bisulfite
- Calcium bisulfite
- Calcium hydrogen sulfite
- Calcium bisulfite solution
- Calcium salt of sulfurous acid
- Calcium hydrogen sulfite
- Liquid calcium bisulfite
Classification:
Statistics
12
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.