Potassium Metabisulfite Finds Application as Food Preservative and Antioxidant and Helps Extend Shelf Life of Various Products

 

Potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5) is a compound formed from solution of potassium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide. K2S2O5 is available in white granular or powdery form and has a pungent, sharp odor like sulfur dioxide. In presence of moisture, it gives out SO2 with acids and oxidizes in air to sulfate. It is used as a food preservative and an antioxidant. K2S2O5 can extend the shelf life of tofu without disturbing its sensory properties and without losses.

The U.S. FDA generally recognizes K2S2O5 as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. It cannot be used in meats; in food recognized as a source of vitamin B1; on fruits and vegetables intended to be served raw to consumers or sold raw to consumers, or to be presented to consumers as fresh. Care should be taken in handling potassium metabisulfite as it can cause irritation in skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It is also important not to excessively powder the chemical as doing so may generate heat, which may set it on fire. It is freely soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol and ethanol. The shelf life of K2S2O5 is 6 months when it stored at a maximum temperature of 25 °C and a maximum relative humidity of 45%.

Potassium metabisulfite can react with biomolecules during sulfonation (sulfitolysis), autooxidation with generation of free radicals, and addition to cytosine. It is used as an adhesive and a binding agent. It is also found in laundry products such as laundry detergents, soaps, de-greasers, and spot removers. K2S2O5 has a wide range of effectiveness as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. It is effective against fungi such as candida albicans, which are responsible for yeast infection, staphylococcus aureus, candida and several types of gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, it also has strong anti-viral activity.

Potassium metabisulfite has been proven to be extremely efficient in eliminating yeast and fungal infections from human to animal, even in severe conditions such as those caused by toxic compounds. It is also effective in fighting against parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms. It is very effective against infectious organisms and is known to kill the protozoan parasites. It is also useful in eliminating water borne diseases such as dysentery and cholera.