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Sulfites are preservatives used in food and pharmaceutical industries to prevent spoilage and discoloration [2], [8]. They can occur naturally or be added to products [7], [18].
Sulfites are a group of sulfur-containing compounds, including sulfur dioxide and various sulfite salts, used as preservatives, antioxidants, or bleaching agents [7], [8], [22]. Common additives are sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium bisulfite (E 222), sodium metabisulfite (E 223), potassium metabisulfite (E 224), calcium sulfite (E 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228) [1], [3], [18].
Frenchman Olivier de Serres noted that Germans used sulfur to 'parfumer les tonneaux' (very large wooden wine barrels) [27].
The 'mesche de soufre' was listed in a French-Latin dictionary [27].
Winemakers have been adding sulfur dioxide to wine since the 1800s [23].
Bacon curing was described by Edward Smith as the process whereby pork is 'preserved by salt and saltpeter' [28].
The use of sulfur dioxide for food preservation became commonplace [26].
Sulfur dioxide has been used since ancient times as a purifier and disinfectant [8].
Sulfites can induce adverse clinical effects in sensitive individuals, including dermatitis, urticaria, flushing, hypotension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and life-threatening anaphylactic and asthmatic reactions [8].
Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [6].
Studies suggest that sodium acetate and sodium sulfite may have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on human lymphocytes, especially at high concentrations [2].
Update of the dietary exposure to sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium bisulfite (E 222), sodium metabisulfite (E 223), potassium metabisulfite (E 224), calcium sulfite (E 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228)…
Dietary exposures estimated using maximum permitted levels would result in MOEs below 80 in all population groups at the maximum of the ranges of the mean, and for most of the population groups at both minimum and maximum of the ranges at the 95th percentile, raising a safety concern [1].
Analysis of genotoxic effects of food preservatives sodium ...
Sodium acetate (SA) and sodium sulfite (SS) significantly induced CAs and MN frequencies and caused a decrease in MI especially at higher concentrations, suggesting cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on human lymphocytes [2].
Follow‐up of the re‐evaluation of sulfur dioxide (E 220), sodium sulfite (E 221), sodium bisulfite (E 222), sodium metabisulfite (E 223), potassium metabisulfite (E 224), calcium sulfite (E 226), calcium bisulfite (E 227) and potassium bisulfite (E 228)
The Panel concluded that this raises a safety concern for both dietary exposure scenarios. The Panel also performed a risk assessment for toxic elements present in sulfur dioxide–sulfites (E 220–228), based on data submitted by IBOs, and concluded that the maximum limits in the EU specifications for arsenic, lead and mercury should be lowered and a maximum limit for cadmium should be introduced [3].
Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide and the occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis based on risk of bias and certainty of evidence
Several studies have documented a relationship between short-term exposure to atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [6].
Exposure assessment of food preservatives (sulphites ...
In the high-intake scenario assuming that consumers always consume food products that contain additives and considering a kind of brand loyalty of consumers, the ADI is exceeded for sulphites among adults (119 and 124%, respectively) [11].
Carefully read food labels to identify products containing sulfites [22], [24].
Inquire about food preparation methods at restaurants to avoid hidden sources of sulfites [40].
Choose fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible [20].
Be cautious of foods that commonly contain sulfites, such as wine, dried fruits, and pickled items [25].