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E228 is a European Union (EU) approved food additive used as an antimicrobial synthetic preservative in foods. Potassium hydrogen sulfite can also be used as a firming agent and as a disinfectant.
There are other names of the additive: Potassium bisulphite, potassium biosulfite, E228, potassium hydrosulfite. Belongs to the group of harmful food additives.
Description of food additive
E228 is a food-type additive obtained in the laboratory. For production, sulfur dioxide and an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate were used, a chemical reaction occurs at a temperature of approximately 100 degrees. The result is a substance with the formula KHSO3 – potassium hydrosulfite. The additive is designed to react exclusively with water-based solutions. Manufacturers buy potassium pyrosulfite (a white, dry, odorless powdery substance), place it in an aquatic environment, and as a result, potassium hydrosulfite is formed. There is another name – potassium bisulfite, in the chemical composition of which there are additional chemical additives. The main feature of the additive is the suppression of bacterial and fungal flora in products. It is due to this feature that the additive is used as a preservative, less often as an antioxidant, color bleach.
Applications
E228 can most often be seen in the composition of semi-finished products with a vegetable or fruit base, sugary products, natural fruit jams, dried fruits, dried cabbage, dried or canned mushrooms, natural wine. For whitening action, it is added to semi-finished products from dry potatoes and breakfast cereals. Potassium bisulphite can also be found in alcoholic beverages, preventing fermentation and souring processes, while retaining color, taste and smell.
It is forbidden to use the additive in the food industry in the production process: beer, fruit juices, meat, milk and dairy products, flour, baby food.
People who adhere to a diet should read the information on the package as carefully as possible, since often products with this supplement are very high in calories.
The list of products in which this supplement can be found is long. But this does not mean that it is safe for the body. The allowable amount of E228 for a person is 0,7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
The use of additives in the food industry is permitted in the EU countries, Russia and Belarus. In the US, the supplement is banned. There is no information about the legality of the use of E228 in Ukraine and Canada.
Technological functions
The additive is a powerful antioxidant – a substance that slows down the oxidation process and significantly increases the shelf life of products.
Benefits and harm to the body
The synthetic additive does not have biological value, therefore, potassium hydrosulfate does not carry any benefit to the body. Let us consider in more detail the harm of this food additive, since it is not in vain that it belongs to the category of dangerous. Most of the population is not at all recommended to eat foods with E228 in their diet. When using the supplement within a certain norm, it is effortlessly metabolized in the body and excreted from it with the help of the kidneys.
Allergic reactions to Potassium bisulphite are common, and people who suffer from chronic bronchial asthma may experience bronchospasm and choking. There have been cases with the development of anaphylactic shock.
The risk group includes people who have sulfides blocking the production of thiamine pyrophosphate (a vital form of vitamin B). In such people, after entering the body of E228, malfunctions of the digestive and nervous systems develop.
It is also contraindicated to use products with this synthetic preservative for people with severe gastrointestinal diseases.
Main producers
In Russia, potassium hydrosulfite is produced in small volumes. The main Russian manufacturer is the NORD company (St. Petersburg).
For winemaking, pure potassium bisulfite is produced by ERBSLOEH GEISENHEIM AG – Germany.
The additive in the solid form of pyrosulfite is supplied in large volume by TianjinZhentaiChemical – China.
Supplement packaging
E228 is packed in plastic tightly closed canisters. Often you will find a powdered form of the supplement (in the form of peroxide) that comes in tight plastic bags. In order for the manufacturers to get exactly the additive E228, the peroxide powder is diluted with water.
Despite the fact that the additive is approved for use in food products, experts, doctors and nutritionists recommend avoiding products that contain E228, which is so dangerous for the body.