Potassium Metabisulfite

Preservatives

  • Questionable

Definition

A sulfite and derivative of sulfur dioxide used as a preservative, antioxidant, stabilizer, and bleaching agent in food and drinks. Commonly found in beer, wine, cider, and juice.

Also Known As

PMBS, KMBS, Potassium Pyrosulfite

Health Impact

Some people are sensitive to sulfites and can have serious reactions to them ranging from wheezing to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. As a result, sulfites should be avoided by anyone with a sulfite allergy or sensitivity. People with asthma have between a 1 in 20 to 1 in 100 chance to having a sulfite reaction.

Sources