Sulfite

Sulfites are used as a food preservative or enhancer. They may come in various forms, such as:^[1]

• Sulfur dioxide, which is not a sulfite, but a closely related chemical oxide.
• Potassium bisulfite or potassium metabisulfite
• Sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite or sodium sulfite

Sulfites are often used as preservatives in dried fruits, preserved radish, and dried potato products.

Most beers no longer contain sulfites. Although shrimp are 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 that are eaten raw.^[7]

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E numbers for sulfites as food additives are: