What is Sodium Metabisulfite Found In?
Sodium metabisulfite is a chemical compound commonly used for its preservative and antioxidant properties. It is found in a variety of products, including:
- Food and beverages: Packaged dried fruits, fruit juices, wines, and canned vegetables
- Baked goods: Used as a dough conditioner and preservative in breads, cakes, and pastries
- Winemaking and brewing: Utilized to disinfect equipment and inhibit spoilage by bacteria and wild yeasts
- Pharmaceuticals: Added as a preservative in some medicines and intravenous fluids
- Laboratories: Used as an antioxidant and sterilizing agent
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Occasionally found in creams, lotions, and hair products to prevent oxidation
- Water treatment: Employed to remove excess chlorine from municipal water supplies
Note: Some individuals may be sensitive to sodium metabisulfite, especially people with asthma.