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A space-filling model of the sulfite anion.

The structure of the sulfite anion

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.

Sulfites are sometimes added to foods to act as enhancers or preservatives. They may come in various forms, such as:^[1]

• Sulfur dioxide
• Potassium bisulfite or potassium metabisulfite
• Sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite or sodium sulfite

Some humans are allergic to sulfites, and may have difficulty breathing within minutes of eating a food containing sulfites.^{[citation needed]} Asthmatics and people with allergies to aspirin (also known as salicylate sensitivity) are at an elevated risk for reaction to sulfites.^{[citation needed]} 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

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.^[2] Organic wines are not necessarily sulfite-free but they have no added sulfites. Wines made with organic grapes, however, may contain up to 100 ppm, 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 1986, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States banned the addition of sulfites to all fresh fruit and vegetables which are usually eaten raw.^[1]

• SO₅²⁻ persulfate ion
• SO₄²⁻ sulfate ion
• SO₂²⁻ hyposulfite ion
• S₂O₃²⁻ thiosulfate ion
• Category:Sulfites for a list of sulfites.

1. ^ ^{a b} Allergies: Sulfite Sensitivity. WebMD (1 Feb 07). Retrieved on 2007-09-10.
2. ^ Food Labelling - Community Legislation. European Commission. Retrieved on 2007-09-10.

• Sulphites in wine at morethanorganic.com
• Food allergies rare but risky (Food and Drug Administration)
• Is there any danger from sulfites in wine? (The Straight Dope)
• Sulfite Sensitivity (about.com)

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