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Sodium pyrosulfite, E223, sodium pyrosulphuric acid, sodium metabisulfite – all this is the name of the same substance, widely used in various fields: in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, chemical and food industries. It was invented in the last century in the USA, where it was used exclusively as a preservative for animal feed. Now this dietary supplement has become very popular due to its properties as a baking powder, antioxidant and preservative. It is also able to prevent the development of harmful microorganisms and prevent the occurrence of oxidative processes.
The main characteristics of the food additive E223
This dietary supplement has various names. In the European code system, it is called E223, and officially it is called sodium pyrosulfite. You can often hear names such as sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite or sodium pyrosulfite.
This food additive belongs to the group of preservatives. In fact, it is a salt of pyrosulfurous acid, which is obtained chemically by mixing sulfurous anhydride (sulfur oxide) and a soda-sulfite solution.
Soda-sulfite solution consists of interconnected sodium carbonate and sodium sulfite. After that, this solution is reacted with sulfur dioxide, evaporating it to obtain a crystalline powder of sodium pyrosulfite. It is manufactured according to the GOST 11683-76 standard.
Sodium metabisulphite is a crystallized fine powder, usually white or light yellow. It contains sodium carbonate, sulfur dioxide and sodium sulfite. The chemical formula can be represented as: Na2S2O5. Such a food additive has a sharp characteristic smell of sulfur dioxide.
It is highly soluble in water, upon reaction with which sodium hydrosulfite is formed. It is insoluble in oily liquids and very poorly diluted in alcohol solutions. Heating of metabisulfite occurs with the release of gas – sulfur dioxide.
Sodium pyrosulfite has a density of 2,36 grams per cubic centimeter.
Storage, transportation and main additive manufacturers
For packaging of sodium metabisulphite, high-quality factory packaging made of polyethylene is used, intended exclusively for the chemical industry. The additive packed in plastic bags is put into paper bags. The standard weight of the factory packaging is twenty-five or forty-five kilograms. Also, the following containers can be used for storage:
- disposable containers MKR and containers for bulk substances;
- multilayer paper bags, unimpregnated;
- multilayer paper bags with polyethylene lamination.
Any packaging is hermetically sealed, stitched or brewed. Sodium pyrosulfite is stored in warehouses in covered areas, always in its original packaging, for a period of not more than nine months. Care must be taken to ensure that the packaging is not damaged or poorly closed.
Such a substance is usually transported by land transport:
- covered vehicles;
- freight trains in covered wagons;
Transportation on open platforms is also possible, but in this case, the prerequisite is the packaging of sodium pyrosulfite in disposable containers.
Transportation of the substance by water transport is also allowed.
The main leader in the production of such food additives is Germany. The chemical company Grillo Werke AG has two large plants with the capacity to produce the substance on a large scale. Thanks to this, they can provide goods to a sufficiently large number of countries.
Their direct competitor in this market is China.
Application of food additive
Additive E223 has found wide application in the food industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and even in technical fields.
This substance is used as an antioxidant, baking powder, bleach and preservative. In winemaking, its antioxidant properties are often used to regulate the color of the drink and its biological stability. And as a preservative in wine, it is added to prevent the growth of aerobic bacteria. Least of all sodium pyrosulfite is found in red wines.
In the brewing industry, such an additive is used to protect the drink from external environmental factors, as well as to increase its shelf life. With its help, the product is less susceptible to oxidation.
You can find sodium metabisulfite in the following products:
- frozen and canned fruits and vegetables;
- marmalade, jam or marmalade with a minimum sugar content;
- confectionery;
- dried and frozen mushrooms;
- seafood;
- grape juice;
- sausages;
- soft drinks and juices, except for baby food;
- salted and dried fish;
- dried fruits
Any products that use more than ten milligrams of sodium pyrosulfite must be labeled with the E-223 badge. If the content of the substance is less than 10 mg, information about it on the labels can be omitted.
Such a food additive is also used for the manufacture of starch and gelatin. With it, the remnants of the pulp are removed from the coffee beans.
Pharmacists use this substance to fill various tablets, as well as to disinfect water filters in a water purification system.
Often it can be seen in the composition of cosmetic creams, deodorants and shampoos.
Unrefined technical sodium pyrosulfite is used for tanning leather, removing stumps, and bleaching fabrics. It is used as a chemical reagent in the manufacture of photographs and other industries. However, such a substance is strictly forbidden to be used as a food additive.
Useful properties and harm of pyrosulfurous acid salt
In small doses, this chemical is harmless. It quickly passes through the processes of metabolism in the liver and is excreted by the kidneys. In addition, it helps to remove free radicals from the body that damage cells.
Excessive and aggressive effect of free radicals on cells is the cause of oncological diseases. But according to the general misconception, this effect is attributed to the preservative. On the contrary, sodium pyrosulfite has powerful antioxidant properties and is by no means a carcinogen. It neutralizes the action of free radicals and prevents their development in the human body.
The allowable daily dose of this preservative is 0,7 mg per kilogram of body weight. An excess of it often causes problems with the digestive system and organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
This substance can be harmful for people suffering from allergic reactions and those who are hypersensitive to any components that make up its composition.
Sodium metabisulfite belongs to the third hazard class of toxic substances. This is due to the fact that when heated, as well as when interacting with acids, such a substance emits a caustic toxic gas – sulfur dioxide. And he, in turn, is the cause of angioedema or asthma attacks.
If a pure substance comes into contact with the skin or eyes, a severe burn is formed, therefore, when working with it, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment: rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator.
Summing up
Sodium pyrosulfite is a synthetic food additive used in various fields due to its antioxidant and antiseptic effects. This preservative provides long-term preservation of products and significantly inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in them, preventing the occurrence and development of mold, toxins, unpleasant odors and tastes.
This is a toxic substance, but in small doses it does absolutely no harm to the body. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you do not overdo it with such an additive. In case of an overdose, acute intoxication of the body occurs. Products containing this preservative in their composition must be labeled with the E223 icon.