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To date, in some areas, the food additive E222, which is nothing more than sodium hydrosulfite, is actively used. This substance is a preservative with antioxidant properties. E222 does not occur in nature, it is exclusively a synthetic product. Sodium hydrosulfite is a powerful poison, which automatically puts it on the list of substances that are extremely dangerous to human health.
Properties of sodium hydrosulfite
In addition to the properties of a preservative and antioxidant, sodium hydrosulfite has the properties of a stabilizer and bleach. Outwardly, it is a yellow or white crystalline mass or a powder with a powerful smell of sulfur dioxide. This substance is quite unstable: pyrosulfite is formed in combination with water. Sodium hydrosulfite dissolves in water, but this is not observed in alcohols, fats and oils.
The synthesis of sodium hydrosulfite is carried out by combining sodium carbonate and sulfur dioxide. The substance produced in this way is a fire hazard if there is contact with water in an air space with a high oxygen content. At the same time, in its pure form, it does not carry any danger. Contact with water releases sulfur and ignites. The human body can consume an E222 supplement per day up to 0,7 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
E222 additive packaging
According to international standards, sodium hydrosulfite can be packaged and transported in two types of containers. The first type includes steel barrels placed in plywood barrels. Another type of packaging is polyethylene bags placed in steel drums with a wall thickness of more than half a millimeter. Thus, the maximum tightness of the container is ensured and any attempts to contact the substance with the surrounding air are prevented. As mentioned above, quite a bit of water is enough to cause a dangerous reaction. Sodium hydrosulfite is packaged in 50 kilograms in one container. These measures are prescribed in all regulations of countries that are engaged in the production, supply or use of the E222 additive.
The main producers of sodium hydrosulfite
In general, a substance such as sodium hydrosulfite can be produced in any private laboratory due to the simplicity of the reaction of combining the substances necessary for its manufacture. But due to the danger of this substance, its production is carried out only by large chemical companies that already have an established circle of consumers. Such firms include:
- Ukrainian LLC “Khimfarminvest”;
- German company “Global ChemPharm”;
- Russian enterprise Neftegazkhimkomplekt.
Application of sodium hydrosulfite
The E222 additive is now widely used in the food industry due to its antioxidant and preservative properties. At the enterprises of the food industry, it is added to products, in particular, to canned fruits. The main goal: the fight against microbes. Sodium hydrosulfite is also essential in modern wine production (especially dry wines). The addition of E222 allows you to preserve the taste and stop the oxidation processes that are caused by vinegar. Of course, some wine producers choose not to add sodium hydrosulfite to preserve the product, but then the drink can take on an unhealthy brownish tint. Naturally, the taste will also change in this case.
The process of fighting microbes is as follows: sodium hydrosulfite is in contact with water and fermentation products. Thus, sulfur dioxide is formed, in which bacteria, fungi and yeast die.
Sodium hydrosulfite is an additive known, perhaps, to all confectioners in Ukraine and Russia. E222 is added to jelly and ice cream, marmalade and jams. But not just sweets. On the labels of packages of dried fruits, meat, sausages, fish food, canned and fresh-frozen vegetables and fruits, you can also see the presence of sodium hydrosulfite. E222 is an almost indispensable substance for the manufacture of mushroom and potato-based semi-finished products, as well as liquid pectins.
Also, the E222 additive is used in other industries. In particular, in the production of fabrics and dyeing of cotton, sodium hydrosulfite removes active dyes. Sodium hydrosulfite is a good reducing agent for various dyes, as well as a preservative agent for bleaching fabrics. This substance is also used in more heavy industry. For example, in biochemical engineering, it is used to maintain the absence of air in the reactor. Has sodium hydrosulfite its application in the light and chemical industries.
The benefits and harms of sodium hydrosulfite for the human body
Numerous scientific studies have proven that the food supplement E222 is absolutely useless for human health. Moreover, it can cause significant harm to the body. In the United States and European Union countries, hydrosulfite is banned from use in the food industry and in winemaking in particular. At the same time, in Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries, it is still added to food products.
The fact is that in Ukraine and Russia lethal cases of the use of this preservative have not yet been registered. However, it is noted that this additive can cause allergic reactions, as well as cause some problems in the stomach. In the United States, in the 70s of the XX century, several deaths were recorded. People have died after eating raw fruit that had sodium hydrosulfite added to preserve the taste. There were also several dozen cases of admission to medical institutions of patients with acute forms of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and serious allergies caused by just this substance. Later, in 1980, this was the reason for the ban on the use of this additive in the food industry.
It is noted that it is sodium hydrosulfite that is the main cause of the destruction of vitamin B1 in the human body. This vitamin is of great importance for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the body. At the same time, the destruction of vitamin B1 occurs precisely in those organs where it is deposited the most, that is, in the kidneys, liver, heart and brain.
Experts recommend replacing the E222 additive with some other preservatives. For example, sorbic acid, labeled E200, is perfect. Seeing food products in stores that contain the E222 additive, the buyer himself must decide whether to take this product or not. At the moment, the wine industry is researching and developing a replacement for this substance, which would be able to kill bacteria and yeast in wine so well. In any case, the E222 supplement is definitely not healthy, so doctors are advised to reduce the consumption of foods that could contain sodium hydrosulfite.