Dangers of Sodium Metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite, a common additive in food and wine, may be harmful when ingested in large amounts. Some people may experience an extreme allergic reaction that can cause death. According to the World Health Organization, a person should not consume more than 42 milligrams of sulfites in one day.
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Wines
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Sodium metabisulfite is used in wines to prevent discoloration and to stop bacterial growth. However, just one glass of wine is likely to have you at your limit.
Freshness
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In foods, sodium metabisulfite is used to give the appearance of freshness, or to preserve the color in dried fruits like raisins.
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Fruits and Vegetables
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Anytime you see dried fruit that remains bright-colored, sodium metabisulfite or another sulfite has probably been added. Many salads and fruits may contain as much as five times the recommended daily maximum.
Laws
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In the US, the Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of sulfites in most fresh fruits and vegetables. Sulfites used in packaged goods, such as wine that contains more than 10 parts per million, must be labeled.
Severe Reactions
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People who react severely to sodium metabisulfite usually experience difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock. Sodium metabisulfite has caused six known deaths in the last 25 years.
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