Sodium metabisulphite

What it is

A sulphite preservative used in dried fruit, wine and some processed potato products.

What it does

• Preservative

  Slows spoilage caused by micro-organisms, so food stays safe for longer.

• Antioxidant

  Slows the reaction with oxygen that turns fats rancid and cut fruit brown.

Regulatory position

• European Union

  Authorised for use in food

  Must be declared as an allergen above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre.

  Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Authorisation in one country says nothing about another, and the absence of a record here is not evidence either way. Where precision matters, follow the citation to the regulation itself.