Sodium Metabisulphite

Food additive

It is used as a food additive, mainly as a preservative and is sometimes identified as .

It may cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to , including reactions in as well as in those who do not identify with the condition.

It is present in many dilutable squashes (i.e. fruit juice concentrates) and in candy bars such as Mounds.

Sodium metabisulfite and are the primary ingredients in , used for and making.

The acceptable daily intake is up to 0.7 mg per kg of body weight. Sodium metabisulfite has no side effects; it is oxidised in the liver to harmless sulfate and excreted in the urine.

Sanitization / Cleaning agent

It is commonly used in and to equipment. It is used as a cleaning agent for potable water membranes in systems. It is also used to remove from drinking water after treatment.

Other uses

Concentrated sodium metabisulfite can be used to remove . Some brands contain 98% sodium metabisulfite, and cause degradation of in the stumps, facilitating removal.

It is also used as an in some , such as .

A very important health related aspect of this substance is that it can be added to a blood smear in a test for (and other similar forms of ). The substances causes defunct cells to sickle (through a complex ) hence confirming disease.
Standard:GB1893-1998

Chemical Properties:

When mixed with water, sodium metabisulfite releases (SO2), a pungent, unpleasant smelling gas that can also cause breathing difficulties in some people. For this reason, sodium metabisulfite has fallen from common use in recent times, with agents such as becoming more popular for effective and odorless sterilization of equipment. Released sulfur dioxide however makes the water a strong reducing agent.

CAS No.: 7681-57-4