E224 Potassium Pyrosulfite (Potassium Metabisulfite)

Potassium pyrosulfite (Potassium metabisulfite, Potassium metabisulfite, Potassium pyrosulfite, Potassium bisulfite meta, Potassium sulphate pyro, Potassium pyrosulfite, E224)

Potassium pyrosulfite is a compound of inorganic origin, used as a food additive-preservative, which also has the properties of bleach, antioxidant and color stabilizer (calorizator). In the international classification of food additives, potassium pyrosulfite is assigned the index E224.

Chemical formula K₂S₂O₅.

General characteristics of E224

Potassium pyrosulfite is known in the form of lamellar crystals, granulate or crystalline powder without color, with the smell of sulfur. It is oxidized when interacting with moist air, converting to sulfate. The substance is highly soluble in water, ether and ethanol, not soluble in fats and oils. Potassium pyrosulfite decomposes at a temperature of 190 °C. Potassium pyrosulfite can be prepared by adding sulfur dioxide to a boiling solution of potassium sulfite.

Harm E224

Potassium pyrosulfite refers to food additives that are dangerous to human health. Excessive consumption of products that contain E224 leads to irritation and narrowing of the respiratory tract, which can lead to asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Other negative consequences of the use of potassium pyrosulfite – dizziness, sometimes to the point of unconsciousness, cyanosis. Entering the human body, E224 breaks down into simple substances and is excreted in the urine. E224 should be completely excluded from the diet of children and pregnant women. The permissible daily dose of E224 is defined in the range of 0.7 mg/kg.

Application of E224

Potassium pyrosulfite is used as a preservative in winemaking, but the disadvantage of this additive is that it affects the level of potassium in the wine, contributing to the conversion of tartaric acid into tartaric stone, which negatively affects the final taste of the wine. As a stabilizer that stops the fermentation processes, E224 is used in brewing production, dry fruits are also treated with the substance and added to some types of confectionery products.

The main application of potassium pyrosulfite is photodel, where it is used as an acidic photographic fixative, the substance is also used in dyeing fabrics and as an integral part of filters for water purification.

Use of E224 Potassium Pyrosulfite

On the territory of our country, the use of E224 Potassium Pyrosulfite as a food additive-preservative is allowed, provided that the norms for the use of the substance are strictly observed.