Sulfite

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Sulfite

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sulfites (also sulphites) are compounds that contain the sulfite ion SO32−. They are often used as preservatives in wines (to prevent spoilage and oxidation), dried fruits, and dried potato products. Sulfites also occur naturally in almost all wines.

A space-filling model of the sulfite anion.
The structure of the sulfite anionContents [hide]
1 Chemical properties
2 Related sulfur oxoanions
3 Health risks
3.1 Regulation of commercial use
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Chemical properties
SO32− is a polyatomic oxoanion.

[edit] Related sulfur oxoanions
SO52− persulfate ion
SO42− sulfate ion
SO32− sulfite ion
S2O32− hyposulfite

Health risks
Some animals are allergic to sulfites, and may have difficulty breathing within minutes of eating a food containing sulfites. Asthmatics and people with allergies to aspirin (also know as salicylate sensitivity) are at an elevated risk for reaction to sulfites. The reaction can be fatal and requires immediate treatment at an emergency room, and can include sneezing, swelling of the throat, and hives. Those who are allergic to sulfites are urged to avoid products that could contain them.

See also: anaphylaxis

Regulation of commercial use
Sulfites occur naturally in wine. They are also added to wine. In the US, wine bottled after mid-1987 must have a label stating that they contain sulfites if they contain more than 10 parts per million. In the EU an equivalent regulation came into force in November 2005 [1]. Organic wines are not necessarily sulfite-free but they have no added sulfites. Wines made with organic grapes, however, may contain up to 100 parts per million, compared to conventional wines which may contain up to 350 ppm. Most beers no longer contain sulfites. Although shrimp is sometimes treated with sulfites on fishing vessels, the chemical may not appear on the label. In 1985, the United States federal government banned the addition of sulfites to most fresh fruits and vegetables, though fresh-cut potatoes and dried fruits are exceptions.

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